EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
'•a.-'
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OCT-3 D3 56
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE FILIPINO FIRST POLICY IN THE GOVERNMENT 
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 9184 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
REFORM ACT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is home to some of the most brilliant scientists and inventors of 
modern times. Filipinos have made breakthroughs that will definitely improve the lives 
of their fellow countrymen and even propel the country to economic development and 
prosperity. Unfortunately, the State has not given much attention and focus on the 
importance and benefits that can be brought about by these discoveries and we have 
not taken full advantage of their potential for economic prosperity and development 
as a whole.
Article XII, section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that:
"The State shall promote the preferential use o f Filipino labor, domestic 
materials and locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them 
competitive."
Therefore, it is imperative that the State ensure that even just within our 
jurisdiction, the Filipinos are always first in the choice of labor and supplier of goods. 
Hence, in order to give life to this constitutional mandate, promote the ingenuity and


creativity of Filipinos, as well as encourage Filipino scientists and inventors to create 
more beneficial products and services, this bill seeks to institutionalize the Filipino first 
policy in the government procurement system. With this bill, before any government 
institution or agency can procure products and services from foreign suppliers, there 
must be a certification or clearance that there is no existing domestic and Filipino 
supplier who can supply and satisfy the procurement need.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
CIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
'■ ' L  
O .. 
. 
N
■'9 
OCT -3 
P3 5 6
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE FILIPINO FIRST POLICY IN THE GOVERNMENT 
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 9184 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
REFORM ACT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "Gawang Pilipino, Para 
sa Pilipino Act of 2019"
Sec. 2. Section 43 of Republic Act No. 9184 otherwise known as the Government 
Procurement Reform Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 43. Procurement of Domestic and Foreign Goods. -  Consistent with the 
country's obligations under international treaties or agreements, Goods may be 
obtained from domestic or foreign sources and the procurement thereof shall be 
open to all eligible suppliers, manufacturers and distributors. However, in the 
interest of availability, efficiency and timely delivery of Goods, the Procuring 
Entity [fTWy] SHALL give preference to the purchase of domestically-produced 
AND FILIPINO-MADE and manufactured goods, supplies and materials, AS 
WELL AS PREFERENCE TO FILIPINO AND DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS OF 
SERVICES, that meet specified or desired quality."


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Sec. 3. Within sixty (60) days from the promulgation of this Act, the necessary
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rules and regulations for the proper implementation of its provisions shall be
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formulated by the GPPB, jointly with the members of the Oversight Committee created
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under Republic Act No. 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement
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Reform Act.
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Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or portions
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thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed,
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amended or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 5. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days after its
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complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
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circulation.
Approved,