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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider ECCP is ARTA's new anti-red tape champion

ECCP is ARTA's new anti-red tape champion

Published Feb 6, 2024 08:48 am

The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) is officially an "anti-red tape champion" as it partners with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to streamline bureaucratic processes and facilitate ease of doing business (EODB).

The ECCP and ARTA sealed their partnership via a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Tuesday, Feb. 6 by ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez and ECCP President Paulo Duarte.

Through the memorandum, the ECCP is authorized to receive the red tape-related complaints or inquiries of its Chamber members, which it will refer and relay directly to ARTA.

This would hopefully empower businesses to voice out their concerns while providing them a degree of protection if they wish to be unidentified or refuse to  meet directly with ARTA for fear of reprisal from certain government institutions, for instance.

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Officials from the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen ease of doing business in the country on Feb. 6, 2024 at Makati City. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao/ MANILA BULLETIN)

According to Perez, the MOU signing is a way to assure the European business community – which make up a big portion of investors in the country – that the current administration is committed to providing them avenues and resources for EODB.

“We really encourage existing and incoming  businessmen to work with us. The number one concern of businessmen in the country is ease of doing business, and since ARTA was created specially for the purpose of implementing the law on EODB, it's our duty to reach out to prospective and existing investors alike,” Perez told reporters.

These complaints can range from general delays to permits or issuance processing times to specific gripes with concerned agencies.

“The best way to fight red tape, and corruption in the processes, is through streamlining and digitalization of processes because you minimize human intervention. Zero contact policy,” he stressed.

On behalf of the ECCP, Duarte said that they will be more active in advocating for EODB in the Philippines through their vast membership and partner networks.

“The ECCP, in endorsing the concerns of its members, will help ensure that the Anti-Red Tape Authority remains responsive to the needs of the business community,” he remarked.

ARTA boasts a closure rate of 98.75 percent of its complaints as of November last year, showcasing its efficiency in resolving issues and concerns.

Expedited eBOSS

ARTA announced last month that it is aiming to reach a 10-minute maximum processing time for all online processes, especially through the electronic business one-stop-shop (eBOSS), by the end of this year.

In order to speed up process of local government units (LGUs), Perez floated the idea of a “pre-approve system” where LGU offices can pre-approve applicants and let them operate while setting a given timeline or deadline for them to submit lacking documents before full approval of their registration.  

“We need to expedite the process of approval and business permitting. If businessmen know that the processes in this LGU are easy and fast, they would voluntarily register their businesses and pay the right amount of taxes for the LGU,” he explained.

Out of more than a thousand LGUs and municipalities, only 26 LGUs have implemented full automation for their eBOSS as verified by ARTA. Full automation meanings the filing, submission, processing, payment, and printing of applications must be done online.

ARTA is cooperating with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) to help LGUs become compliant with the agency's requirements for ARTA certification.

 

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