Philippines Gov't Buying P66 Million Worth of Rifles for Marines

The Department of National Defense (DND) will acquire P66 million worth of rifles for the Philippine Marine Corps in line with its efforts to upgrade the military’s capability.

A bid bulletin signed by DND Assistant Secretary Ernesto Boac showed that the opening of bids for the project will be on Sept. 13.

The government has allotted P66 million for the acquisition of 120 units of 7.62 mm designated marksman rifles with integrated logistics support.

Bidders should have completed within five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids a contract similar to the project.

The DND will adhere to open competitive bidding procedures as provided by the implementing rules of the procurement law.

"Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility,” DND said.

Interested parties may buy bid documents worth P50,000 from the DND Bids and Awards Committee.

The DND will hold a pre-bid conference on Aug. 30 at the DND office in Camp Aguinaldo to provide prospective bidders more information about the project.

The deadline for the submission of bids will be on Sept. 13. The offers will be opened on the same day. Bids that are higher than the approved budget of contract will be rejected.

The products being offered are eligible if they are being used by the military of the company's country of origin or by the armed forces of at least two countries.

The Aquino administration has vowed to provide the military the necessary equipment and assets to enable it to perform its mandate.

For the Navy, the government plans to acquire strategic sea-lift vessels with amphibious vessels, off-shore patrol vessels, three naval helicopters, coast watch stations and weather-heavy endurance cutters.

The Army would be given new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored personnel carriers, force protection equipment like helmets and bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios.

Meanwhile, the government would buy surface attack aircraft, air defense radars, long-range patrol aircraft and closed air support aircraft for the Air Force.