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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ARTA to explore streamlining measures for water permitting process

ARTA to explore streamlining measures for water permitting process

Published Dec 7, 2023 07:44 am

At A Glance

  • The attendees raised the high and inconsistent fees and differing requirements by local government units (LGUs).

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) met water industry players and government offices regulating the sector to discuss possible solutions to address challenges and bottlenecks encountered when applying for permits and licenses.

ARTA LOGO.png

In a statement on Thursday, Dec. 7, the ARTA said representatives from Maynilad Water Services Inc., Manila Water Company Inc., the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Water Resources Board, and Local Water Utilities Administration attended the exploratory session on Nov. 24.

During the discussion, the attendees raised the high and inconsistent fees and differing requirements by local government units (LGUs).

The ARTA said it will first consolidate and look into the Citizen's Charters of LGUs in Metro Manila. The Citizen's Charter is a requirement of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law that outlines the requirements, timeline, and person responsible for all services. Government offices cannot ask anything more than what is asked in their Citizen's Charter.

The concessionaires will also submit to ARTA the permitting process flow based on their on-the-ground experiences. Upon review of the submission, ARTA will then provide recommendations to streamline the system, which may include cutting down processing time and costs. The initiative may also lead to more investments in the water sector.

ARTA Better Relations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of public and private stakeholders.

"Now we have a clear idea kung saan tayo magfo-focus (which agencies should we focus on) and what are the agencies that we have to touch base on," Marbida said.

As part of the agreement, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF) - Bureau of Local Government Finance, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be invited to the next consultative meetings.

ARTA said it will also explore holding a series of stakeholder forums with the private and public sectors for formal dialogues that will result in a more standardized permitting system in the water industry.

Related Tags

Anti-Red Tape Authority Manila Water ARTA Maynilad water sector Citizen's Charter
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