By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
The Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) issued Advisory No. 01 Series of 2020 directing all government agencies in the executive department including Local Government Units and government-owned or -con¬trolled corporations to adopt fast-track measures during the COVID-19 state of calamity.
The advisory lists suggested measures and tools that the covered agencies could adopt in their re-spective procedures and documentary requirements, consistent with the policies of R.A. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, R.A. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, and the recent pronouncements of the President.
“We would like to remind all agencies to adopt a zero red-tape policy, especially in this emergency situation during which red tape literally kills. To deliberately commit red tape at this time of global emergency is unforgivable,” ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica said.
The advisory suggests the extensions of the validity of permits, licenses, certifications and other similar authorizations that are ex¬piring within the period of State of National Emergency; accepting of applications, submissions of documents, and approvals of such via e-mail or online platforms; suspension of notarization requirement, unless required by law; reduction of signa¬tories and requirements; adoption of the whole-of-government approach; on¬line payment schemes, or considering waiver or defer¬ment of payments.