Streamline, not abolish, PS-DBM – Angara

MANILA – The Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) should be streamlined instead of being abolished, Senator Sonny Angara said Wednesday.

"I don’t think we’re going to abolish. I think we are going to streamline," Angara said in an interview after the conclusion of the third hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act.

"Kasi dati, 'yung PS-DBM parang may sarili silang mundo, eh. Wala siyang permanent employees. Hindi sya nagre-report sa DBM. May sarili talaga siyang ano, kumbaga na-create lang siya tapos hindi siya nagko-coordinate sa DBM (Because the PS-DBM seems to have its own world. It has no permanent employees. It does not report to DBM. It seems like it was just created without the need to coordinate with DBM)."

He said the PS-DBM's original concept was to assist government agencies in procuring common-used supplies, such as computers, ball pens, cartridges, and vehicles.

However, he said, it was also used to procure technical equipment, which is not included in its mandate.

"Kasi, ang intensyon dyan, bili ka nang maramihan para makatipid ang gobyerno. 'Yun ang intention ng PS-DBM (Because the intention is to procure in volumes so the government could save money. That is the intention of PS-DBM)," Angara said.

The PS-DBM became controversial after being directly involved in the procurement of overpriced laptops for the Department of Education.

Both Senators Francis Tolentino and Imee Marcos filed measures seeking to abolish the office.

Angara said the procurement capability of government agencies should also be strengthened by appointing permanent members of Bids and Awards Committees with corresponding salaries. (PNA)