A new Palace office has been formed to further simplify processes and reduce red tape in the Executive branch and local government units as well as recommend sanctions against erring personnel.
Under Executive Order No. 129, the President created the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Streamlining of Government Processes (OPASGP) in line with efforts to expedite and improve delivery of public services.
The new office will be led by the Presidential Adviser on Streamlining of Government Processes (PASGP) with the rank and salary of a Cabinet Secretary. The President earlier appointed former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. to occupy the government post.
The powers and functions of new presidential adviser are the following:
- advise and recommend to the President or the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) evidence-based policies, programs, measures and strategies that will further simplify processes and cut red tape in the Executive branch as well as local government units, and expedite the delivery of public goods and services to the Filipino;
- undertake further review of existing government systems, mechanisms, and processes to promote "a predictable business environment and reduce uncertainty in government transactions using the best, most innovative, and least burdensome means allowed by law;'
- provide and set up, in coordination with ARTA, an effective mechanism to act on special, strategic and immediate concerns or directives of the President requiring immediate action from relevant government offices, LGUs, government corporations;
- subject to the approval of the President, provide policy guidance and act on all policy concerns submitted by ARTA to Office of the President on programs and activities on ease of doing business
- monitor implementation and compliance of government agencies and LGUs with Republic Act No. 11517, which authorized the President to expedited processing and issuance of national and local permits and licenses during emergencies, as well as recommend to the President the imposition of sanctions against erring government officials;
- recommend to ARTA and other government agencies to investigate and pursue action in case of non-compliance of any government officials or employee with RA 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act.
Under EO, the President directed PASGP and ARTA to ensure harmonization, integration and non-duplication of all government initiative on ease of doing business.
The new office must also ensure any regulation taken by the government pursuant to EO 129 shall be formulated and implement through a process that involves public participation.
The operation funds for the new office will be sourced from the existing budget of the Office of the President.
The order, signed by the President on April 13, takes effect immediately.