DBM: Contractors with repeated offense face lifetime blacklisting

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) warned that contractors, suppliers, and consultants found guilty of repeated procurement violations may face perpetual or lifetime blacklisting under the new government procurement law.

The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) introduces stricter sanctions for government bidders, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement on Wednesday, amid the government crackdown on the billion-peso flood control mess.

“Through our new procurement law, we are implementing a more modern and robust approach to transparency in the procurement process to combat corruption,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.

The DBM said perpetual disqualification is the most severe of three sanctions outlined in the NGPA for private entities that neglect or violate government contracts.

These are for entities found to commit fraud, falsification, collusion, or other forms of conspiracy, which could bar them from participating in any government bidding for one to two years.

The “three violations” are based on the concept of a recidivist, referring to entities that repeatedly breach laws or regulations despite being given opportunities to reform. Such behavior, the DBM said, shows a clear pattern of misconduct.

The DBM said violators under the first type of sanction may be required to undergo mandatory training or retraining, while more serious infractions, the second type of punishment, could result in suspension.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said he is open to publicizing lists of barred government contractors as the public presses for more transparency and accountability. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante