DBM facilitates procurement of medical supplies

MANILA, Philippines — The Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) has included medical supplies in the list of “common-use supplies and equipment” (CSE) to facilitate the procurement of these necessities amid the nationwide state of calamity due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

In a statement, the PS-DBM said it has updated the list of CSE items for procurement to include medical supplies, pursuant to Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution 03-2020.

These items include of alcohol, sanitizers, tissue, thermometers, hand soap, detergent, cleaning materials, personal protective equipment for utility staff, gloves, masks, common medicines, and testing kits, among others.

“The list of ‘urgently required’ items to address the current COVID-19 situation was submitted by the Department of Health for its prompt mobilization. The GPPB confirmed and approved the request in adoption of a more efficient, effective, and expedient procurement procedures during a state of public health emergency,” the Procurement Service said.

PS-DBM said the procurement of the items would be made under the revised provisions on negotiated procurement (emergency cases) modality.

The Procurement Service of the DBM is tasked to have a centralized procurement system for commonly used goods of the government in accordance with Letter of Instruction 755 and Executive Order 359, series of 1989.

According to the agency, GPPB’s resolution is constitutionally supported by Item 3 of Letter of Instruction 755 which authorizes PS to include supplies, materials, and such other items in the list of CSEs.

It is further strengthened by Section 7 of Republic Act 11332 which authorizes the President to mobilize governmental agencies to respond to a health threat of national and/or international concern.

Last week, President Duterte declared a state of public health emergency following a confirmed local transmission of COVID-19 in the country. He has also placed the Philippines under a state of calamity due to the pandemic.

Furthermore, an “enhanced community quarantine” is being imposed in the island of Luzon.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the DBM would continue operations to ensure the unhampered release of funds amid the “enhanced community quarantine.”

The DBM’s Procurement Service said it would also continue its operations, subject to alternative work arrangements.