The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) postponed the opening of bids for the procurement of various vessels worth P2.1 billion from Friday to Oct. 15, 2024.
Lawyer Faye Singson, a former assistant prosecutor at the Office of the Ombudsman, said the new schedule was not publicly announced by members of the special bids and awards committee (SBAC).
“If the postponement is not announced publicly, some bidders may have an unfair advantage over others. This can lead to allegations of favoritism or corruption,” Singson said in a statement.
She said the postponement could also delay the procurement process, which could have negative consequences for the government agency or entity involved.
She said that with the delay of the opening of bids from Oct. 11 to Oct. 15, the procurement process exceeded the 52-working day prescribed timeline by the 2016 revised implementing rules and regulation of Republic Act 9184.
Singson said Section 8 of RA 9184 requires that all procurement activities be conducted in a fair, transparent and competitive manner. Postponing bid opening without proper notice can violate this principle, she said.
She said Section 10 outlines the procedures for conducting bidding, including the requirement for public notice and the issuance of supplemental bid bulletins for any changes to the bidding process.
“This section also outlines the procedures for conducting bidding, including the prescribed timeline. Overextending the bidding process beyond the maximum 52-day limit without proper justification can violate this provision,” Singson said.
