QC to computerize issuance of health certificates

The Quezon City government is set to computerize the issuance of health certificates to prevent the proliferation of fakes.

Jose Castro, assistant secretary to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., said the computer-based system is similar to the one being used by the Bureau of Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) in the issuance of permits.

Earlier, Belmonte ordered a crackdown against fixers using fake health certificates in their operation at the City Hall compound.

The crackdown resulted in the arrest of five fixers who were caught offering applicants fake health certificates.

The city health department which collects an average P50,000 daily in regulatory fees, but have to contend with fixers, particularly in early part of the year when workers renew health certificates.

The city health department is among the few offices which have not computerized operations. Other offices, including the finance and planning department have fully computerized operations.

Belmonte reminded the city health department and other offices at City Hall to continue streamlining procedures to eliminate red tape. — Perseus Echeminada