Maele made the remarks earlier this week at a meet-and-greet session hosted for the newly appointed UB Council members. Despite stating that the council members’ appointment takes effect from 1st January 2026, Maele had the ongoing restructuring on his mind. To this end, he indicated that they identified credible individuals who will help with good governance within UB and offer strategic direction to the public institution.
Maele noted that the council has a duty to hit the ground running in January. He said the council must work with management to ensure that they finish the restructuring, which has been ongoing for five years. Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a ‘siren’ on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement.
That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a ‘red flag’. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be…
