The Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) declared it will exceed the expectations set under Executive Oder 18 as vowed to make government agencies fully comply to fast track processing of strategic investments via the Green Lanes. 

Secretary Ernesto V. Perez of ARTA made the assurance in a speech at the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) with a theme of "Celebrating Filipino Creativity, Advancing Creative Philippines" on Sept. 28.   

“ARTA is resolute in ensuring full compliance of agencies to Executive Order 18 on the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, Executive Order 32  Streamlining the Permitting Process for Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure, and the upcoming Executive Order on Infrastructure Flagship Progress. With diligence and unity, we will not just meet but exceed the expectations set forth in these Executive Orders,” said Perez. 

But, he also said that the full implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act will not be fully realized without the support of Filipinos. “If you encounter violations of the Law, please let us know,” he urged the creatives people.  

According to Perez, ARTA has resolved over 98 percent of red tape-related complaints and concerns raised to us. “There is still more work to be done. We need to continue our reforms aimed to streamline government processes. We need to make it easier for creative businesses to access financing and other resources. And we need to promote Filipino creativity and culture to the world,” he said. 

Addressing the creative industries, Perez assured that ARTA is committed to supporting and helping them to thrive through a business-enabling environment that will allow them to reach their full potential. “That is why we are working hard to reduce red tape and make it easier for creative businesses to start, grow, and operate,” he said.  

In relation to its mandate under Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, ARTA is also positioned at the forefront in our government’s stride towards improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency to better serve our people and our economy.  

Perez proudly reported that in just a few couple of years, ARTA has already made significant milestones in improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines.  

In the past year, ARTA has significantly reduced the number of processing days for business permits and licenses, reduced processing times and through technology allow citizens to access services at the comfort of their homes/offices.  

He shared that setting up businesses is now easier and faster through the Philippine Business Hub and LGU Electronic Business One-Stop Shops (eBOSS), which allow businesses to register and apply for permits and licenses online.  

“These efforts are already paying off, as we are seeing a significant increase in business registrations and revenues in LGUs that have implemented and complied with the requirements of the Ease of Doing Business Law. And we are seeing more and more Filipino businesses expanding their operations and exporting their products and services to the world,” he said.

ARTA has also forged partnerships with various national government agencies and private sector stakeholders to develop and implement new initiatives to streamline and improve regulatory frameworks in key sectors such as investments, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure. 

He further urged participants to endorse and support local industries. “The Philippines is now more than ever ready for ease of doing business, and by patronizing our own, we also ensure the our nation’s growth and prosperity,” adding that the Philippines can create a business-enabling environment where the creative industries can thrive. 

“I am filled with exuberance and gratitude because the creative industries are a vital part of the Philippine economy and culture. From music and film to architecture and design, Filipino artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders are all driven by creativity and ingenuity which sketch a bright picture of an advanced and progressive Philippines,” he said.