Despite the digitalization efforts of local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, slow processing times remain a drag. To accelerate the electronic Business One-Stop-Shop (eBOSS) functions of LGUs, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is setting its goal to reach a 10-minute average time for all eBOSS processes this year.
In a public briefing at The Manila Hotel on Jan. 24, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez expressed the agency's commitments to streamlining bureaucracy and facilitating a business-friendly environment.
As the primary implementing body of the Ease of Doing Business (EOBD) Law, ARTA is tasked to work towards simplifying processes and regulations with partnerships from the government and the private sector.
Its collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) yielded the formation of the eBOSS portals, which are highly encouraged to be established by LGUs nationwide.
Perez said that there are currently only 19 LGUs that have been deemed “fully compliant” or fully automated, with seven more LGUs vying for accreditation from the agency in the next two months.
eBOSS compliance is measured by ARTA using four criteria, wherein the filing of application, processing, payment, and printing of business transactions are done online. All elements must be done digitally to be verified.
Among the top compliant LGUs were eight cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), Batangas City, and Balanga City in Bataan, based on ARTA's data as of November 2023.
Navotas topped the ranking, logging the fastest processing time at 20 minutes for new and renewal transactions, followed by Valenzuela City and Marikina City both at 30 mins. The processing time for the rest of the cities were around one to two hours. Notably, Quezon City recorded a day and 20 minutes processing time for renewals.
All in all, the aforementioned cities saw higher business registrations from 2021 to 2022, as well as increased revenue collections.
Perez noted that the numbers are very small, but they will work with the national government on a nationwide rollout to promote and capacitate LGUs to operate their eBOSS systems.
He also remarked that political will is a big hindrance to successfully implementing the eBOSS, alongside other technical issues such as poor internet connections in certain areas.
In order to fulfill the EOBD, ARTA is engaged in a six year change management plan wherein it focused on forming the resources and foundations for the EOBD implementation.
For 2024, it will shift its focus to “managing conflicts, facilitating discussions, and advocating for necessary changes across government.”
The plan extends until 2028 where ARTA hopes that EOBD is finally fully operational in the country.
Among the EOBD systems that have already been set up by ARTA besides the eBOSS are the Philippine Business Hub and eLGU portals; and the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System, Philppine Business Regulations Information System, and Philippine Business Databank.
“The Philippines is ready for business. Remove unnecessary requirements, open up for investments by digitalizing processes,” stressed Perez.