DOTr Disqualifies Prospective Bidders With Pending Cases vs the Government

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will no longer allow prospective bidders with pending cases against the government to participate in all its bidding activities.

 

In a Memorandum dated June 26, 2018, DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade’s instruction is in line with the procurement principles under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act for a streamlined bidding process.

 

“Common sense lang naman ‘yan. May kaso nga, may problema, bakit mo naman hahayaan na kumita pa gamit ang pera ng taumbayan? Prospective bidders who want to do business with government must have a clean record, and must have a history of good dealings with the government. It’s that simple,” said Secretary Tugade.

Usec. Yebra added the DOTr is duty-bound to ensure that all prospective bidders are properly screened towards the goal of preventing opportunities for corruption in government. 

 

Accordingly, Yebra said all prospective bidders are required to submit a Certification, under oath, certifying that they have no pending case/s against the government. This Certification shall be included in the Bid Data Sheet of Bidding Documents that the DOTr requires for all its projects.

 

“Failure of a bidder to comply with the requirement or submission of a false Certification shall constitute a ground for automatic disqualification,” Yebra said.

The disqualification of prospective bidders with pending cases against the government is one of the reforms instituted by Secretary Tugade in an effort to promote good governance and transparency in the agency's bidding and procurement processes. 

For the first time in the agency’s history, Secretary Tugade last year ordered the livestreaming of bidding processes of all DOTr projects. 

He also required bidders seeking to work with DOTr to file  their bids and other correspondences via e-mail to foster a fast, free, convenient and secure bidding procedure.

Smart Deploys Emergency Communications Solutions at Rizal Quake Drill

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PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has once again provided emergency communications support for the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, with the activity’s second quarter installment in San Mateo, Rizal.

The drill was spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense Region IV-A and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in partnership with the local government. It simulated the Big One or a magnitude 7.2 earthquake situation.

During the drill, Smart deployed its multi-equipment on wheels (MEOW) portable cell site and satellite communications suite, and provided libreng tawag (free calls) assistance.

PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto said Smart’s participation in the drill was part of the company’s commitment to use technology toward nation-building. “Our various communication tools, including the cellular and data services themselves, are part of our #SafePH advocacy, which aims to help build more resilient communities and reduce disaster risk,” said Isberto.

In line with its #SafePH campaign, Smart has also invested over P500 million on the Emergency Cell Broadcast System. Smart acquired ECBS to fully comply with Republic Act No. 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, which mandates telecommunications service providers to send free mobile alerts in the event of natural and man-made disasters and calamities.

Accompanied by a loud siren sound, ECBS alerts are designed to send urgent messages, such as evacuation notices and earthquake and tsunami warnings, to activated mobile devices within the affected area.

Cell broadcast is effective in disseminating quick hazard alerts because it operates on a radio channel separate from those used by voice calls and text messages or SMS (short messaging service), which may get congested in times of calamities.

The drill was led by NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad, Vice Chair Eduardo Año, and spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas; and Gov. Rebecca “Nini” Ynares, Mayor Tina Diaz, and various representatives of the disaster preparedness and response council and the municipal government.

Posadas noted the importance of communication and information as part of disaster preparedness. “Information is very important—it’s our lifeline. The area-specific alerts are very much appreciated. It’s a work in progress, but these are baby steps in refining our procedures toward resilience,” he said.

At the start of the program, the participants were urged to assume the “duck, cover, and hold” position and converged in an open area near the municipal hall. Residents, workers, students, and government personnel joined the activities, while responders were on standby for mock rescue operations. The drills started at 1 p.m. and were held at various locations across San Mateo.

The drills also simulated other emergency situations such as injuries, typhoons, flooding, evacuation, fire, and prison break.

In times of calamities, Smart has provided emergency communications support such as free SMS, calls, charging, and Wi-Fi, for residents and responders. These services have been deployed, for instance, during the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in 2013, the series of earthquakes in Batangas last year, and Mayon Volcano eruption early this year, among other typhoon and earthquake situations in recent times.

The other programs under Smart’s #SafePH include TNT Tropang Ready, which tours schools nationwide to educate the youth on preparedness and empower them to mobilize their communities in times of calamities; and the Batingaw disaster management app, which allows users to report incidents and features tools such as a flashlight, a siren, a radio, and a directory of emergency contact numbers.

DOE Pushes for More Energy Hubs in West Visayas

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FAST-TRACK ENERGY PROJECTS: Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy tells participants of the Energy Investment Briefing on Wednesday that a policy is in place to fast-track energy projects. Hence the cooperation and feedback from stakeholders are vital for this undertaking. Uy added that the DOE fully supports the Ambisyon 2040 vision of the administration through the provision of secured and sustainable energy services, as well as ensuring an energy-resilient Philippines.

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday (27 June 2018) unveiled more business opportunities for investors, particularly in the energy sector in the Western Visayas area through an Energy Investment Briefing held at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Spearheaded by the DOE- Investment Promotion Office led by Chief Investment Specialist Lisa S. Go, the forum aimed not only to provide relevant information on emerging business opportunities in the region, but also to establish synergy among key players in the industry for a more efficient implementation of energy projects.

Among others, the forum provided information and strategies to facilitate the establishment of energy-related businesses at the local level, which in turn could help spur the economic progress in the area.

Likewise, the briefing included detailed updates on the Visayas Power Supply and Demand Outlook, as well as the existing and potential energy projects in the region.

In addition, the discussion also focused on the potential benefits that would accrue to a community hosting a power project and the requirements and procedures involved in the implementation of energy projects.

For his part, DOE Visayas Field Office OIC Director Saul Gonzales encouraged the participants to actively contribute in the exchange of relevant information on the energy sector in the region.

In his closing remarks, DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy, expressed hope for increased business activity in the energy sector, noting the significant strides the government has made to establish a level playing field for all energy investors.

He cited the creation of an Energy Investment Coordinating Council under Executive Order 30.

Participants in the briefing included representatives from the local government units, electric cooperatives, as well as existing and potential energy investors in the region.

The investment briefing is part of the DOE’s effort to extend the message of the E-Power Mo campaign to the business sector, local government units and electric cooperatives, highlighting their critical role in providing reliable, steady and affordable energy supply to the consumers.

On Tuesday, the E-Power Mo campaign celebrated its first year anniversary, underscoring the need for the consumers, the developers and the operators of vital energy infrastructures to work with the government in bringing about an energy resilient Philippines.