Zubiri lauds ratification of priority measures

SEN. Juan Miguel Zubiri said that under his leadership, the Senate delivered on its promise to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to pass the proposed New Government Procurement Act (NGPA).

Zubiri on Sunday lauded the ratification by the 19th Congress of three important priority measures that aim to stem corruption, prevent the smuggling of agricultural goods and protect the rights of Filipino seafarers.

He said the NGPA was designed to replace Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

He said the NGPA, principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, will introduce major reforms in the government procurement process, specifically in ensuring transparency and efficiency in the bidding process and awarding of government contracts.

The former Senate president said the measure was one of the priority bills of the President identified in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.

«We started defending this measure several months ago. I have committed to the President that we will prioritize this, and we were able to deliver on that promise,» Zubiri said in a statement.

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He said he is «confident that these soon-to-be enacted measures will address some of the most pressing concerns of our people.»

Before the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourned sine die last week, they were able to ratify the following measures: Senate Bill (SB) 2593 or the New Government Procurement Act, SB 2221 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and SB 2432 or the Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

«The ratification of these measures is living proof that the Senate is doing its mandate in serving the Filipino people,» Zubiri said.

Zubiri thanked his fellow senators who made sure that these measures were «closely scrutinized so that they will serve their intended purpose.»

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Also ratified was the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which was envisioned to safeguard the welfare of local and international Filipino seafarers and improve their working conditions.

Zubiri said the measure would also ensure that the training of Filipino seafarers is compliant with the