Crimes Corruption Watch International (CCWI) has announced its intent to fully leverage the strengthened enforcement mechanisms of Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), in its pursuit of accountability from underperforming contractors and negligent procurement officials.
In a public statement, CCWI emphasized the significance of Sections 99, 100, and 101 of the law, which mandate the immediate suspension and blacklisting of contractors found in violation of procurement standards. The organization specifically named IBC International Builders Corporation (IBC) as a contractor under scrutiny for allegedly exploiting gaps in oversight while continuing to secure government contracts despite a track record of poor performance.
“The New Government Procurement Act’s enhanced penalties—including perpetual disqualification for repeat offenders—provide us, as an organization, with the legal tools necessary to hold both contractors and procurement officials fully accountable for their violations,” CCWI stated.
The watchdog group underscored that this latest case will set a crucial precedent in the enforcement of the amended NGPA. CCWI vowed to “aggressively pursue all available remedies under the law to protect public funds and ensure procurement integrity across all government agencies.”
RA 12009, which came into effect earlier this year, aims to close loopholes in the country’s procurement system by introducing stricter penalties, streamlining enforcement, and reinforcing the accountability mechanisms that govern both public and private sector participants in government contracts.
As part of its oversight mission, CCWI said it would monitor implementation across all agencies and continue to press for the strict application of the law to eliminate the culture of impunity in public procurement.#
