Mayor Isko pushes automation in government to curb corruption
Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso joins officials and participants of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Annual Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention 2025 held at The Manila Hotel on November 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office)
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso emphasized the need to eliminate human discretion in government transactions as a key step to ending corruption, during the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Annual Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention 2025 held on Wednesday, November 5, at The Manila Hotel.
In his speech, Domagoso underscored the importance of streamlining government processes and reducing manual intervention to promote transparency and efficiency in public service.
He noted that improving ease of doing business not only simplifies government procedures but also encourages more entrepreneurs to invest and create jobs for Manileños.
To further support business growth, the mayor directed the Manila Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office to issue provisional permits that allow businesses to operate prior to inspection.
This reform, he said, has led to the establishment of more than 6,000 new businesses in the city.
Domagoso also highlighted the success of the GoManila App, which has modernized and digitized city services, allowing citizens to access government transactions quickly and transparently.
“Through technology and innovation, we can make governance more efficient, transparent, and people-centered,” he said.
The convention gathered national and local government officials, business leaders, and reform advocates to promote policies and best practices that strengthen ease of doing business and reduce red tape across the country.