In a bid to make its services more accessible to the public, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has launched more mobile hotline numbers that people can call to ask about their red tape concerns.
In a statement, ARTA said it has launched the ARTAwag Center (a play on ARTA and the Filipino word "tawag" or call, and the word center) that has four new mobile numbers that will be open to calls from the public.
The new mobile numbers are:
- 09656724943 (Globe/TM)
- 09162663138 (Globe/TM)
- 09692577242 (Smart/TNT/Sun)
- 09695167765 (Smart/TNT/Sun)
The new hotlines will be accessible from Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In a statement, ARTA Director-General Jeremiah Belgica said they launched the ARTAwag Center as the agency is starting to get more reports of red tape from the public.
"This is a good problem to have because it means that more Filipinos are becoming aware of ARTA's services and that we are gaining more allies in the fight against red tape," he said.
"It is now our responsibility to open up more channels so we can cater to the larger public. This is what public service entails," he added.
He likewise encouraged the public to call these numbers for a quick response on their red tape concerns, including delays in government processing, fixers, bribery, and the like.
According to ARTA, it accepts concerns and complaints regarding red tape on various channels, including via landline, email, through its social media platforms, and website among others.
It has also launched the ARTAmbayan Outpost along Magalang Street at Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City where the public can relay their concerns on fixing and other forms of red tape.