BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Main Campus
Tagbilaran City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Vision: A premier S and T University for the formation of a world-class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.
Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the
professional and technological fields; undertake research and development, and extension services for the
sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

Program : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Sem/A.Y. : Sem 1/ 2023-2024
Course Code : CE 14
Course Title : CE Laws, Ethics and Contracts
Doctorand : Rasonabe, Mary Ann Toni N. BSCE –
4B
Professor : NENITA M. ABARADO, C.E. PH.D.T.M.
Topic : R.A. 9184: The Government Procurement Reform Act

REACTION PAPER

A. Summary of The Topic

Republic Act 9184, also known as the Government Procurement
Reform Act, was enacted in the Philippines to promote transparency,
competitiveness, and accountability in government procurement
processes. The key governing principles of RA 9184 include ensuring value
for money, promoting open and fair competition, preventing corruption, and
achieving efficiency in the procurement of goods, infrastructure, and
consulting services. The Act establishes a comprehensive framework for
government procurement, outlining the methods of procurement,
thresholds, and procedures to be followed. It sets out the roles and
responsibilities of procurement entities, the bidding and awarding process,
and the grounds for the disqualification of bidders. Additionally, RA 9184
emphasizes the use of modern technology and electronic procurement
systems to enhance efficiency and reduce opportunities for corruption. It
plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public funds and fostering responsible
public spending while fostering economic growth through equitable
opportunities for suppliers and contractors.
B. Meaning
Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, is a
fundamental piece of legislation in the Philippines, designed to govern and
optimize the public procurement process. This Act is grounded in a set of
core principles: "Value for Money," which ensures that government
spending is used most effectively to achieve the best outcomes within
budget constraints; "Open and Fair Competition," demanding equitable and
transparent opportunities for all potential suppliers and bidders; "Preventing
Corruption," a central tenet aimed at eliminating fraudulent and unethical
practices in the procurement process; and "Efficiency," highlighting the
need to streamline and modernize procurement procedures for greater
effectiveness. The Act establishes comprehensive guidelines and
procedures for various stakeholders, including procurement entities
(government agencies responsible for procurement), contractors, and
suppliers. These rules encompass diverse aspects of procurement, such
as the methods employed, monetary thresholds that trigger competitive
bidding, and specific roles and responsibilities of each party involved.

C. Reaction
Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act,
stands as a crucial milestone in the Philippines' pursuit of accountable,
efficient, and transparent governance. This legislation embodies a
commendable commitment to the prudent and ethical use of public funds
by fostering an environment of open competition and equitable
opportunities for suppliers and contractors. The Act's principles of "Value
for Money" and "Preventing Corruption" are not only laudable but essential
in ensuring that taxpayers' money is put to the best possible use while
safeguarding against fraudulent practices. By emphasizing "Open and Fair
Competition" and "Efficiency," RA 9184 helps in promoting economic
growth and infrastructure development. The Act's encouragement of
modern technology and electronic systems is a forward-looking approach
to procurement, streamlining processes, and reducing the chances of
corruption. It reinforces responsible public spending and bolsters the
confidence of citizens in the government's commitment to good
governance. In essence, RA 9184 is not merely a legal framework; it
represents a powerful tool for shaping a more accountable and prosperous
future for the Philippines.
D. Application
As a civil engineering student, Republic Act 9184, the Government
Procurement Reform Act, resonates deeply with my educational and
professional aspirations. This legislation embodies the core principles that
are fundamental to the successful execution of public infrastructure
projects. The emphasis on "Value for Money" aligns perfectly with the
engineering goal of optimizing resources to deliver projects that benefit the
public. "Open and Fair Competition" not only promotes transparency but
also ensures that the best and most innovative solutions are considered, a
crucial element in the ever-evolving field of civil engineering. "Efficiency" is
at the heart of project management, and RA 9184's encouragement of
modern technology and electronic systems mirrors the industry's increasing
reliance on cutting-edge tools for design, planning, and execution.
Additionally, the Act's focus on "Preventing Corruption" underscores the
importance of integrity and ethical conduct, essential attributes for all
professionals, including civil engineers. In my perspective, RA 9184 serves
as a guiding light, reinforcing the importance of responsible public
spending, fostering economic growth, and, most importantly, enhancing the
quality of infrastructure that I, as a future civil engineer, hope to contribute
to for the betterment of society.