Live stream bidding ordered by Baricuatro
Cebu Province Enhances Transparency with Executive Order 37
The Cebu Provincial Government has taken a significant step towards increasing transparency and accountability in its procurement processes. Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 37 (EO 37) on July 28, 2025, mandating the livestreaming of all competitive bidding processes[1][2][3].
Under EO 37, all stages of the competitive bidding process, including pre-procurement conferences, pre-bid conferences, bid openings, and other Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) meetings, will be livestreamed on official websites and social media platforms[1][3]. This move is expected to provide real-time public access to bidding processes, thereby preventing overpricing, manipulation, and promoting public trust in government procurement operations in Cebu Province[1][3].
The Provincial Information Office (PIO) and implementing offices are responsible for overseeing the mandatory livestreaming and for publishing procurement details such as project names, approved budgets, winning bidders, contract amounts, and award dates online[1][3]. For high-value projects with approved budgets of ₱50 million and above, post-award information must also be published in newspapers of general circulation and online[1].
Video recording of bidding proceedings is required under Republic Act 12009 (the New Government Procurement Act) for projects above certain budget thresholds: ₱10 million for goods, ₱20 million for infrastructure, and ₱5 million for consulting services[1][5]. These recordings are to be kept for at least five years.
The EO also mandates the publication of the Government Procurement Policy Board’s consolidated blacklisting report on official websites and social media. This report details the number of blacklisting incidents per person/entity and offenses committed[1][3]. It is worth noting that personal and sensitive data will be exempted from disclosure, with any ambiguity resolved in favor of transparency[3].
Mainstream media are permitted to cover and livestream bidding events, provided they do not disrupt the proceedings, thereby enabling public observation even from remote locations[1][3]. Provincial Administrator Joseph “Ace” Durano described the policy as a "clear move toward greater transparency"[1]. All procurement documents remain open to the public unless restricted by law or jurisprudence.
EO 37 sets strict penalties for non-compliance with its provisions, which could lead to administrative sanctions against public officials or employees[1][3]. The order was approved by the Provincial Board during its regular session on August 4, 2025.
In conclusion, the Cebu Provincial Government's EO 37 institutionalizes real-time public access to bidding processes via livestreaming and mandates extensive public disclosure, marking a significant stride towards greater transparency and accountability in government procurement operations.
References: 1. Cebu Provincial Government. (2025). Executive Order No. 37. Retrieved from http://www.cebuprovince.gov.ph/eo37 2. Durano, J. A. (2025, August 5). Cebu Province mandates livestreaming of all procurement conferences. SunStar Cebu. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1910113 3. Baricuatro, P. (2025, July 28). Transparency in government procurement: Cebu Province issues EO 37. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://business.mb.com.ph/2025/07/28/transparency-in-government-procurement-cebu-province-issues-eo-37/ 4. Republic Act No. 12009. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.gov.ph/2015/06/23/republic-act-no-12009/ 5. Government Procurement Policy Board. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gppb.gov.ph/
The Cebu Provincial Government's Executive Order 37 mandates livestreaming of all competitive bidding processes on official websites and social media platforms, promoting transparency and public trust in government procurement operations. In accordance with the order, the Government Procurement Policy Board's consolidated blacklisting report will also be published online, marking a significant stride towards accountability in policy-and-legislation and politics within Cebu Province.
