A large number of major business organizations, which are pushing for government transparency and ease of doing business in the country, have expressed concern over calls by the Ombudsman to abolish the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), which is mandated under a law to facilitate ease of doing business and implement anti-red tape or anti-corruption measures in government transactions.
“We were concerned when the Ombudsman called for ARTA’s abolition. We agree that the Ombudsman, within the wide scope of its authorities, has a role to play in improving government services, but ARTA’s primary role is to improve government services,” said the statement signed by 32 business organizations in the country.
Earlier, Ombudsman Samuel Martires appealed to senators to abolish the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) saying there are more effective measures that will repel corruption.
Instead of abolishing ARTA, the business groups said the Ombudsman and ARTA complement each other’s functions, hence, “both should be working together.”
Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 is an act that aims to streamline the current systems and procedures of government services. It is the landmark law of the Duterte administration that addresses priority number 3 of its 0+10 Point Socio-economic Agenda. This particular agenda pertains to improving the competitiveness of and ease of doing business in the Philippines. Signed into law on 28 May 2018, the law effectively amends Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.
“The difficulty of doing business with the government has always been a problem for businessmen, and a disincentive to invest in the Philippines. So, it was welcomed when Congress passed RA 11032 creating the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
While much improvement is still desired in the area of ease of doing business, the business groups cited ARTA’s accomplishments, having done its share and delivered through hard work of its people in the three short years of its creation.
Foremost, the statement gave kudos to ARTA for easing approvals for permits, licenses, etc., which have been simplified and greatly speeded up. “The 3, 7, 20 requirement, detailing the number of days within which approval must be granted, has seen many provincial government agencies and local governments introduce procedures to attain this swift attainment of approval,” business groups said.
Businessmen cited a case was brought before the Court of Appeals as to the role of ARTA, but which the court confirmed that ARTA was operating legally, even added that it was doing a much-needed job.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked the Court for supporting the role of ARTA, and congratulated ARTA, under the leadership of its Director General Jeremiah Belgica, for a job well done. Deputy-Director Ernesto Perez is now ARTA officer in charge.
“We would like to appeal to the Ombudsman to work with ARTA, so they may together give us the improvement in government services we need, and continue the upgrading that has been started so effectively,” the statement added.
Signing the petition are Alyansa Agricultura, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Anvil Business Club, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Leads Foundation (CLF), Connected Women, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc., Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance Philippines, Green Edsa Movement, Institute of Corporate Directors, Investment House Association of the Philippines, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Inc., Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Microfinance Council of the Philippines, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc.