Abstract

This research aims to determine the role of public procurement transparency toward sustainable development in the Philippines, with an emphasis on its social, environmental, and economic aspects. Taking a principal–agent theoretical perspective, the study shows how transparency builds trust, lowers information asymmetry, and enhances cooperation of the procurement authorities and suppliers. Transparency in procurement processes improves social equity, efficacy, and sustainable environmental management through fairness and inclusiveness in supplier participation. This commitment demonstrates that greater openness has yielded faster rates of economic growth by improving competition, ensuring resources are used more efficiently and facilitating environmental sustainability through ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance. Fair procedures, early information, and explicit communication can be used to promote social justice, as they build trust in government bodies and involve local cases in community work. In this study, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to measure those relationships, and results are validated by means of the detailed model evaluation ensuring its validity and reliability. Procurement transparency is therefore a game changer for SDG achievement and investment. The study recommended enhancing transparency measures, increasing supplier participation, and ensuring equitable and accountable procurement processes, in line with Republic Act 9184. This was also an important upfront step to prioritizing transparency and accountability in public procurement to pave the way for increased economic stability, environmental protection, and social well-being in the long term and to support broader action on the wider sustainable development agenda.