ULAP chief tells LGUs: Enforce ease of doing business schemes to attract investors
By Chito Chavez

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President and Quirino Governor Dakila "Dax" Cua urged the local government units (LGUs) on Tuesday, March 12, to enforce "consistency, uniformity, and predictability" in implementing rules to gain potential investors.
"We have to be consistent and uniform in implementing national and local rules so that we can attract instead of dissuade investors. Madalas na binabatong reklamo sa ating mga LGU ay iba-iba ang aplikasyon natin sa mga batas at tuntunin, kaya nagiging komplikado ang pagtatayo ng negosyo (Most of the time the complaints hurled against the LGUs are our varying application on laws and regulations that makes it complicated to put up businesses)," Cua explained.
The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) recently raised concerns over the inconsistency in local government rules, making it difficult for firms to comply.
IBPAP President Jack Madrid noted that the LGUs have different processes for the renewal of local business permits, with some asking for additional requirements such as employees’ health certificates.
He also said that some IT-BPM companies are even penalized for failing to comply with requirements that arise from differing interpretation of rules.
To address the issue, Cua urged the LGUs to "aim for simplicity" when implementing rules regarding the setting up of businesses.
"Let’s remember that we have to implement the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act. We have to simplify our processes and ensure that our interpretations are consistent with the intent of the rules and laws that we are trying to implement," Cua asserted.
“Imbes na dagdagan ang requirements, in fact we should look for ways para hindi maging kumplikado ang proseso para sa mga nais mag-negosyo sa mga lugar natin (Instead of adding requirements, in fact we should look for ways to make the process uncomplicated for those who want to put up businesses in our territories)," he added.
Cua vowed that the ULAP will consult on whether it needs to conduct a nationwide dialogue to help LGUs attain consistency in rule implementation and make processes surrounding business establishment more efficient.