Procurement livestreaming isn’t just a fancy governance term—it’s now a legal reality in Cebu. Under Executive Order No. 37 (EO 37), signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro on July 28, 2025, and approved by the Provincial Board on August 4, every meeting of the Bids and Awards Committee—from pre-procurement to bid openings—must be livestreamed in real time.
That means you, whether you’re a student, OFW, small business owner, or regular taxpayer, can finally see how public funds are awarded and spent.
What Is Executive Order 37 All About?
Executive Order 37 sets a new standard for transparency. It mandates procurement livestreaming of all key procurement activities in Cebu:
- Pre-procurement conferences
- Pre-bid conferences
- Bid openings
This ensures that the entire process is visible to the public, not just to insiders or contractors.
Why Procurement Livestreaming Matters for All Filipinos
This move is not just for businesspeople or finance experts—it’s for anyone who pays taxes, cares about where their money goes, and wants better governance.
Here’s why it matters nationwide:
- Protects your taxes – Less room for overpricing or collusion when the public is watching.
- Builds trust in institutions – Seeing decisions happen in real time makes the process credible.
- Empowers all citizens – You don’t need to be in the room to hold officials accountable.
If Cebu can do it, your city or province can too.
Key Provisions at a Glance
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Livestreaming | All procurement conferences and bid openings must be broadcast live. |
| Published Details | Project name, budget, winning bidder, contract amount, award dates must be posted online and on social media. |
| Newspaper Posting | For projects worth ₱50M+, award details must also be published in general-circulation newspapers. |
| Video Recording & Storage | Projects over ₱10M (goods), ₱20M (infrastructure), and ₱5M (consulting) require recordings stored for 5 years. |
| Blacklisting Reports | Quarterly publication of blacklisted suppliers, including violations and number of times blacklisted. |
| Media Coverage | Traditional media may cover proceedings live if not disruptive. |
| Sensitive Data Protection | Trade secrets, personal data, and legally protected information remain confidential. |
| Sanctions | Non-compliance may result in administrative penalties under civil service rules. |
Legal Foundations Behind Procurement Livestreaming
EO 37 reinforces existing laws:
- RA 12009 – New Government Procurement Act, requires video recording and other transparency measures.
- RA 9184 – Government Procurement Reform Act, ensures fair and competitive bidding.
- RA 6713 – Code of Conduct for Public Officials, emphasizes that public office is a public trust.
y adding real-time public access to these laws, procurement livestreaming strengthens governance and citizen oversight.
Why This Should Go Nationwide
Imagine if every province in the Philippines had procurement livestreaming:
- No need for FOI requests just to see bid details.
- Public watchdogs and media can spot anomalies instantly.
- Citizens in far-flung areas can monitor projects without traveling.
This could be a huge step toward cleaner governance, less wastage, and more trust in public service.
What You Can Do Now
- Watch the livestreams or replay videos to understand how procurement works.
- Share key moments on social media to spread awareness.
- Keep an eye on blacklisting reports to see who keeps breaking the rules.
- Advocate for procurement livestreaming in your own province or city.
FAQ Section
What is procurement livestreaming?
Procurement livestreaming is the live broadcast of government procurement proceedings, such as pre-bid and bid openings, for public viewing online.
Who benefits from procurement livestreaming?
Everyone—from students and OFWs to local entrepreneurs—because it makes public spending more transparent and accountable.
What does Executive Order 37 require?
EO 37 mandates livestreaming, online publication of bid details, recording storage, and quarterly blacklisting reports for procurement in Cebu.
How are high-value contracts handled?
Contracts worth ₱50M or more must have post-award details published in newspapers as well as online.
Will sensitive information be revealed?
No. Trade secrets, personal information, and legally protected data remain confidential.
What happens if officials do not comply?
They may face administrative sanctions under civil service rules.
Reflection That Feels Right
Procurement livestreaming is not about tech gimmicks—it’s about putting power back into the hands of ordinary Filipinos. EO 37 proves that government can be transparent when it chooses to be, and when people demand it.
If Cebu can open its bidding process to the public eye, there’s no reason the rest of the country can’t follow. Because at the end of the day, public funds belong to the people, and we deserve to see how they’re spent.
External Sources:
- SunStar: Cebu to Livestream Procurement Meetings
- InsiderPH: Governor Orders Livestreaming of Bidding Process
- Sugbo.ph: Capitol Bidding Now on Livestream
Stay Updated on Issues That Affect You
Procurement livestreaming is one step toward a more transparent Philippines. If you want to track similar government reforms, funding updates, and policy changes, visit our Current Issues page to stay informed and ready to act.
