The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is set to visit Matnog to talk to local officials after it launched an investigation on the reported congestion in the port of Matnog in Sorsogon.

ARTA Director-General Jeremiah Belgica made the statement after receiving complaints about the port of Matnog in Sorsogon being congested.

In this regard, Belgica said the agency has already started investigations and conducted a series of hearings and meetings on the port’s situation.

ARTA personnel and representatives have been on the ground and have found some indications that the long lines could be partly caused, artificially, that is, by some enterprising individuals.

"We are set to formally visit Matnog port to meet with government officials and stakeholders directly involved in its operation," he said.

Belgica recognized the need for more ships and infrastructure in the area, as well as the gallant efforts of the offices on the ground, however, he said an important initiative that could help ease the problem is streamlining, reengineering, and automating the entire system.

"Why do we need multiple lines in various government offices and shipping lines if we can simply combine all necessary fees into a single payment?" he wondered.

Belgica suggested a method similar to the airplane ticketing system which can be done fully online, allowing passengers to only pay once for their airline and airport fees because it is all-inclusive.

This system would not leave passengers taking their chances in ports whether or not they can board a vessel.

"You won't have to wait an entire day just to give your most highly vetted slot to someone who was already on the 'priority list,'" he said.

Meanwhile, Belgica said challenges in infrastructure can be mitigated by effective management of the systems through streamlining and automation. He noted that this was not the time for offices to work in silos, especially when managing the critical logistical doorway connecting the islands of Luzon and Visayas.

"This is the direction we are considering, analyzing, and pursuing for Matnog, if necessary. We hope that all of us will put our differences and personal agenda aside and work cooperatively to resolve this issue," he said.

On the other hand, Belgica said ARTA will coordinate with the management of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the local government, and Taskforce Tagabisay to set up an ARTAmbayan outpost in the area, which will guard the area against fixers and serve as a platform for passengers to lodge their complaints directly.

He added that the implementation of the Unified Logistic Pass (ULP) in nine pilot locations, including the Port of Matnog, will facilitate truck movement and ease port-entry restrictions via a unified Quick Response (QR) code that can be easily scanned by various government authorities, including port authorities, special economic zones, and local government units.

"ARTA is constantly innovating ways to provide Filipinos with the most convenient services possible while also cracking down on those who continue to engage in red tape and corruption activities," he said.