By Argyll Geducos
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday (Feb. 4) to formalize the technical assistance that the latter will extend to the ARTA.
Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director-General Jeremiah Belgica
(ARTA / MANILA BULLETIN)
ARTA Director Jeremiah Belgica and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce signed the MOU detailing technical assistance projects for ARTA extended by the FCO and Regulatory Delivery International.
The ARTA and the UK FCO will work together on the drafting of the Regulators Code for the Philippines, develop guidelines and a manual of operations on the re-engineering of government systems and procedures using a whole-of-government approach, conduct of capacity building initiatives of ARTA, and other projects.
"This means that we will be able to work collaboratively to promote ease of doing business through Regulatory Reform Projects, creating a more friendly business environment and better government service for all," ARTA said in a tweet.
ARTA Deputy Director-General Ernesto Perez and the UK’s First Secretary Rebecca Shah bore witness to the MOU signing.
ARTA, an agency under the Office of the President, was created by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, that amends RA 9485, the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.
The Authority is “mandated to administer and implement” RA 11032 “and its implementing rules and regulations, and to monitor and ensure compliance with the national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business in the country,” according to information on its website.
The FCO is a department of the UK government responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide.
Among the FCO's responsibilities are safeguarding the UK's national security by countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, and working to reduce conflict. It also aims to build the UK's prosperity by increasing exports and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth.