By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has called on all local government units to take steps to ensure efficient and speedy processing of business registrations and renewals. ARTA Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica issued this reminder as the January to March period this year is often heavy periods for business registration renewals across the country. “There are still some LGUs that have redundant requirements that need to be updated or repealed. For example, a Locational Clearance is a requirement to make sure that the business is a match with the zoning of the Area,” said Belgica. He also added that there is a need to speed up the processes regarding Occupational Clearances, Fire Safety Inspection Certificates noting that in the Starting a Business Indicator ng 2020 World Bank Doing Business Report, the Philippines was 171th out of 190 countries. Through the ARTA Law, its guidelines and circulars issued by ARTA, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Information, Communications and Technology, Belgica said the Philippines would be able compete with global economies especially within the ASEAN community. “This year we are working to improve the performance of the country not only in the Doing Business Report but also in ways that will be felt by everyone. It is time to remove outdated, redundant, and unnecessary requirements that serve no purpose but to unduly burden the people.” Belgica said. ARTA, created by Republic Act No. 11032 under the Office of the President, is the lead agency in improving the ease of doing business of regulatory mechanisms across the country. Last Friday, ARTA met with high-level representatives from the top malls of the country and other stakeholders to discuss their experiences in business processing and to hear the needs that can be addressed by ARTA.