MANILA -- Secretary Jeremiah Belgica, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), reminded government workers to observe proper office hours to give continued service to the public.

This, after Belgica learned that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) were implementing shortened office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

He warned that government workers who will not work for a full eight hours may face administrative sanctions.

The ARTA Director General said agencies must avoid sending home clients as there are times when they come from as far as the provinces just to avail of the government’s services.

“‘Yung mga pumapasok, dapat attended to during work hours,” he said. “‘Pag dumating sila (clients) ng working hours, kailangan ma-entertain sila ng office kahit five minutes palang nandoon.”

“Wala po talaga kaming ibang option but to implement this… kasi nasa batas po,” he added. “Kapag sinuri po ng Ombudsman o Civil Service, talagang sasabihin nila na dapat, hindi kayo aalis.”

But with the limitations brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Belgica said agencies may set up provisions, such as online platforms, to provide continued assistance to clients.

“Magbigay nalang kayo ng provisions for the people… at least, mayroon kayong taong mag-aalalay sa kanila,” he said.

The ARTA chief also recommended the placing of additional copies of the Citizen’s Charter in other areas of the office.

He said the Authority will continue to hold discussions with the DENR to help them streamline their systems and simplify their services. (ARTA)