QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) formed partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that aims to ensure the effective implementation of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (EODB EGSD).

The historic agreement was signed in Diliman, Quezon City, as both agencies pledged to enhance anti-red tape reforms and foster an environment conducive to EODB in the government sector.

Leading the ceremonial signing were CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles and ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez. They were joined by CSC Commissioners Ryan Alvin Acosta and Aileen Lourdes Lizada, as well as ARTA Undersecretaries Gerald Divinagracia and Geneses Abot. The signing of the MOA marked a significant collaboration between the two agencies with the aim of streamlining processes and improving service delivery in the civil service.

“Today’s MOA signing is more than just a symbolic event because it has far-reaching implications in the realm of public service. The CSC and ARTA are tasked under the EODB EGSD to ensure that we promote integrity, accountability, and establish best practices to prevent corruption in the government. This event, finally, seals the deal between the CSC and ARTA to ultimately delineate the functions and mandates of the offices under R.A. No. 11032,” explained Chairperson Nograles.

Ariel Ronquillo, CSC Assistant Commissioner, presented the key provisions of the MOA, which were the result of extensive consultations and discussions. The agreement aimed to reconcile overlapping functions, clarify agency roles and duties, and identify potential areas for collaboration between CSC and ARTA.

According to the MOA, the CSC's Anti-Red Tape Division (ARTD) in the Central Office and Anti-Red Tape Units (ARTU) in its regional offices will serve as focal points for initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery within the civil service. These units will also be responsible for handling complaints against government employees and officials who violate the provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11032 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

ARTA, on the other hand, will oversee the implementation of a national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business. They will also initiate investigations on complaints endorsed by the CSC and assist complainants in filing necessary cases with either the CSC or the Office of the Ombudsman.

CSC Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo highlighted that ARTA will facilitate the Report Card Survey (RCS) across all government agencies. CSC's ARTD and ARTU will receive, analyze, and utilize RCS results to recommend enhancements for service delivery improvement in the civil service.

Secretary Perez expressed his gratitude to the CSC, acknowledging the agency's unwavering commitment to public service and its invaluable guidance and support to ARTA's programs. He emphasized the importance of working together to eliminate red tape and create a more efficient government that promotes ease of doing business.

“The signing of today’s MOA is our shared commitment to making the government more responsive to the needs of the people. With this agreement, we will further strengthen our collaboration and cooperation in implementing the EODB,” he added.

CSC Commissioner Acosta concluded the program by encouraging both agencies to make integrity, efficiency, and responsiveness the norms in the Philippine bureaucracy. He emphasized the significance of the MOA in driving meaningful reforms that will benefit both the government and the public.

The MOA signing was attended by officials and representatives from various government agencies, including the CSC Central Office, Supreme Court of the Philippines, House of Representatives, Office of the President, Department of Information and Communication Technology, and Department of Finance. This wide range of participation reinforced the collaborative effort of the government towards achieving an easier and more efficient service delivery system for the people. (CSC / Photo by RP1 /  PIA-NCR)