DOTr gets ISO seal for bidding process

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has earned the seal of the largest international third-party standardization group measuring quality delivery of service of the public and private sectors for transparency in its procurement process.

The DOTr said it has received a seal of approval from the International Organization for Standardization last Dec. 27.

The ISO certification, which will remain valid until Dec. 26, 2021, attests to the DOTr’s quality management system in its procurement process through public bidding.

“In line with the Duterte administration’s aggressive fight against corruption, the DOTr has been consistent in its commitment towards the promotion of transparency and the eradication of corrupt practices within its ranks and all levels of bureaucracy,” the agency said.

Since 2017, the DOTr said it has been livestreaming, through its official Facebook page, all bidding and procurement processes of the agency’s projects, as well as those of its attached agencies to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

“The DOTr proudly ranks among government agencies that pioneered the use of social media and digital platforms toward significantly institutionalizing measures that espouse transparency in government processes,” it said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has directed other DOTr officials, as well as interested parties in all projects of the agency, to enforce strict observance of bidding and procurement processes, and not entertain nor tolerate discussions and negotiations that are not prescribed under the law.

Tugade has also urged the public to monitor and observe the agency’s bidding and procurement proceedings and report any anomalous incidents.