Anti-Red tape agency to make surprise visits to LGUs this month

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is conducting surprise visits to different local government units (LGUs) this month as part of efforts to ensure speedy processing and release of business permits.

In a statement, ARTA said a surprise visit was made to the City of Manila as the first stop of the agency’s LGU Business Processing and Licensing Office Process Tour.

During the visit, ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica met with Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, the chief of Manila City Bureau of Permits, and the heads of the barangays to discuss salient provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11032 on the renewal of business permits.

RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act seeks to do away with bureaucratic red tape in government by requiring agencies to complete transactions within a specific period.

Under the law, those classified as simple transactions should be completed within three days, those considered complex within seven days, and highly technical ones in 20 days.

For the issuance of local business permits, the law requires LGUs to have business one-stop shops (BOSS) to receive and process applications.

All government agencies including LGUs are required to adopt a zero-contact policy which means no government officer or employee would have any contact with an individual making an application or request except during the preliminary assessment or evaluation of submitted requirements or unless necessary.

Belgica commended the City of Manila for improving delivery of services, particularly the issuance of permits within the same day of application.

ARTA conducted the surprise visit given the start of the business registration or renewal period.

LGUs usually receive many applications either for registration or renewal of business permits from January to March.

After Manila, ARTA would be visiting other LGUs throughout the month to check compliance to the law.

“ARTA expects all LGUs to comply with the mandate of RA 11032 which includes the 3-7-20 prescribed processing time, zero-contact policy, and the establishment of their BOSS,” the agency said.