QUEZON CITY -- Electronic business one-stop shops (eBOSS) may be set up in all local government units nationwide by the end of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term.

Secretary Jeremiah Belgica, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), said this during the inspection of the Manila city government’s eBOSS on Wednesday, 23 June 2021.

In an interview, Belgica said around 580 LGUs are using the free software that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is offering for their eBOSS.

Some local government units (LGUs) particularly those in highly urbanized cities, use their own software, he added.

“It’s very possible that, at the end of term ng ating Pangulo, matatapos natin ang lahat ng LGUs,” the Anti-Red Tape Secretary said.

“I could safely say naman, ‘no, sa aming nakita eh lahat ng LGUs naman ay willing sila basta matulungan mo sila,” he added.

The setting up of eBOSS platforms in LGUs is mandated as provided for in Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

It aims to streamline and automate processes in LGUs for the public’s convenience.

Belgica said online transactions have become more attractive amid the COVID-19 pandemic as people can pay from the convenience of their homes, making it safer for the public.

“Ito talaga ‘yung mga convenience na ine-envision ng batas,” he said.

However, some LGUs face challenges in establishing their eBOSS platforms. The ARTA Director General said some LGUs complain of difficulty in integrating their barangays in the electronic platform. Others also mentioned lack of manpower and resources as their primary reasons for not having set up their eBOSS platforms.

Belgica stressed that the platform being offered by the DICT is free. He also said that the Authority is willing to extend their assistance to LGUs who made earnest efforts to establish their eBOSS platforms.

LGUs are required to submit compliance reports or letters of explanation by 14 July 2021 or 20 days after the deadline of setting up of eBOSS platforms on 17 June 2021.

ARTA is also conducting inspections to validate if LGUs have already set up their platforms. So far, the Authority has visited the city governments of Quezon City and the City of Manila, which were both found to be compliant.

The ARTA czar said those who will not be able to provide sufficient explanations on why they were not able to set up their eBOSS platforms may face administrative charges.

“You better make sure that you have valid reasons. Otherwise, you will be investigated and cases may be filed against you,” he warned. (ARTA)