The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) visited on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Makati City's Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) as part of its mandate in ensuring the quality of service of the cities and municipalities in the country.
Atty. Maribert Pagente and Atty. Restituto Ancheta of the Makati Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) showcased the city's BOSS to ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez during the inspection
Through the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, ARTA is tasked to conduct on-site inspections of BOSS program in the country as the government slowly shifts to digitalization to streamline its services to the public and prevent fixers.
The establishment of BOSS and E-BOSS in the country also allows the government to offer the following services:
1. Accepting electronic submission of application
2. Issuing electronic tax bill or order of payment
3. Accepting online payment
4. Releasing of the electronic version of permits, licenses, and clearances
5. Providing gateway facility linked to courier service where applicant prefers hard copy of the documents.
According to ARTA, the Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation Office (CMEO) continuously monitors the compliance of local governments and other government agencies on anti-red tape and ease of doing business.
Compliance is based on the Citizen's Charter Information Billboard, Citizen's Charter handbook, and Feedback and Complaints Mechanism.
ARTA regularly conducts inspections during the business registration and renewal seasons, particularly at the beginning of the year.
For her part, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said that improving ease of doing business is a win for both government and the private sector as it is essential for the city's economic competitiveness.
The city government introduced City Resolution No. 2020-023 which allows individuals and businesses to pay their real property and business taxes online via the Maka-Connect or the Makatizen Online Assessment and Payment Portal (https://makationlinepayments.com).
Binay explained that the portal prevents crowding at the city hall since it enables the residents and business owners to settle their government processes without the need for them to personally come to the city hall.
It also addresses the issue of fixers since taxpayers only need to go to www.makationlinepayments.com and type their Business ID or Tax Declaration Number. After that, they may pay taxes online or over the counter and download a copy of the official electronic receipt.