NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) -- The national leadership of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is pushing for compliance on the ease of doing business in the country to raise more local revenues, lure foreign investors, and check corruption.

During the ARTA roadshow in Bacolod City, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said the activities of the office are anchored on one of the 8-Point Socio-Economic Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which is the improvement of bureaucratic efficiency.

Republic Act 11032 or “Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services” took effect June 17, 2023, and was supposed to have been implemented by the country's Local Government Units after three years but was extended.

Perez said there is no reason why LGUs cannot comply because the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) developed a software called the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS) with the operation manual and all they need to do is to follow it.

He noted that ARTA has entered a Memorandum of Agreement with big companies such as the Aboitiz Group, Meralco, and PLDT to help covered agencies comply. Covered Agencies include, among others, LGUS, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, State Universities and Colleges, Hospitals, and Waters Districts.

At present, he said, they are employing a scientific tool that prevents overlapping and burdensome regulations which is the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA).  About 2,000 government personnel have already been trained for RIA.

Perez said that one of the considerations businessmen ask before investing is the presence of ease of doing business mechanisms.

“We assure you that ARTA will stop at nothing. We will do all within our resources to implement the law because this is good for the country,” he said.

No less than President Marcos Jr. supports ARTA efforts and ensures that whatever policy ARTA makes does not burden Filipinos.

“So let us support this government, let’s support this administration because it is for our own good that we work together under the whole of nation approach,” he said. (AAL/Lljr/PIA 6 Negros Occidental)