Anti Red Tape Authority
ARTA, DENR, UPPAF-RESPOND and key stakeholders extend timeline of MOU on mining
27 November 2024 – Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a more stable and sustainable mining industry, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Service Foundation, Inc. – Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND), Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), recently extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further promote responsible mining. The ceremonial signing took place in Baguio City on 22 November 2024, solidifying the commitment to a sustainable and inclusive mining industry in the Philippines.
As co-chairs of the extended Mining MOU, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez commenced the ceremonial signing event with their opening remarks reiterating support to the inclusive collaboration of all concerned agencies and private sector stakeholders on improving the mining sector in the Philippines. The extended MOU welcomes the inclusion of OSAPIEA, DOE, and NCIP to the Mining MOU Technical Working Group (TWG).
Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the importance of continued support among stakeholders to ensure a responsible mining industry. She underscored the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. By working together, the government and industry stakeholders can create a mining sector that benefits both the nation and future generations.
Secretary Perez welcomed the timeline extension and inclusion of the OSAPEIA, DOE and NCIP in the Mining MOU TWG, stating that “[the extended MOU and expanded TWG] is a bold move that aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to push for a more stable and sustainable mining industry that balances mineral extraction with environmental protection.”
He further stressed the need to leverage innovation and technology to modernize mining operations, optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. By streamlining processes, reducing red tape, prioritizing environmental protection, and fostering collaboration, the stakeholders involved aim to create a mining industry that promotes ease of doing business and sustainable economic growth in the country.
This extended partnership will enable the government to implement stricter environmental and social safeguards, improve transparency and accountability, and ensure that mining operations adhere to international best practices. By strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting responsible mining practices, the Philippines can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The inclusion of the NCIP in the TWG is a crucial step towards ensuring the rights and interests of indigenous peoples are protected. By involving indigenous communities in decision-making processes and sharing the benefits of mining projects, the government can foster social harmony and promote inclusive development.
Also present in the ceremonial signing event are former DFA Secretary and Philippine Ambassador to Australia Delia Domingo-Albert, OSAPIEA Assistant Secretary Ferdinand Pallera, NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, NCIP-CAR Regional Director Roland P. Calde, DILG Undersecretary Lord Villanueva, DOF Undersecretary Bayani Agabin, DOE Director Ricardo Dela Cruz, DTI-Board of Investment (BOI) Executive Director Corazon Dichosa, UPPAF-RESPOND Chief of Party Dr. Enrico Basilio, Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) Chairman Antonio Co, and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) Executive Director Ronald S. Recidoro.
As the Philippines continues to develop its mining industry, it is imperative to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. By working together, the government, industry, and communities can create a mining sector that benefits all citizens under a Bagong Pilipinas.
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ARTA 3-day EODB Convention paves the way for a business-ready Philippines
7 November 2024 – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) recently concluded its three-day 2024 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention, themed “METRIC: Maximizing Efficiency Through Regulation, Innovation, and Collaboration.” Held from 28 to 30 October 2024, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, the event brought together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and international organizations to discuss strategies for streamlining government processes and improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency.
The three-day event was graced by representatives from the diplomatic corps, various international organizations, and private sector groups. His Excellency Ilan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, and Her Excellency Dr. Catherine Rosemary Mcintosh, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, attended the event to share their countries’ experiences in implementing efficient government systems.
British Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, expressed her support for ARTA’s efforts, stating, “You are at the heart of establishing that trust that businesses need to continue to invest in the Philippines, to grow in the Philippines, which ultimately is about employing people, creating jobs, and improving again the livelihood of the people of the Philippines.”
The first day laid the groundwork for the Philippines’ journey towards becoming a business-ready nation. Participants delved into the results of the World Bank Group’s Business-Ready Survey, assessing the country’s position as one of the top 40% of the 50 economies reported within the global and regional markets. ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to improve government efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. He stated, “Let us all be architects of change, designing a system that empowers, not hinders; that facilitates, not frustrates. Let us, together, remove red tape and roll out the red carpet.”
The private sector also played a significant role in the convention. Rene Almendras, President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), praised ARTA’s efforts in streamlining processes and reducing red tape. He stated, “Without being negative to other agencies in government, I believe ARTA is now a hustler. Maybe the only hustler in the field of governance.”
President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio, also participated in the convention’s panel discussion, providing valuable insights and recommendations from the private sector.
Representing one of the key agencies in the government’s digitalization initiatives, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. also emphasized the importance of digitalization in improving government services. He highlighted the DICT’s initiatives in promoting digital transformation and ensuring that government services are accessible to all.
The second day focused on the practical implementation of Republic Act No. 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. Local government units (LGUs) showcased their digital transformation initiatives, highlighting the potential of technology to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. ARTA Secretary Perez recognized the efforts of these LGUs, saying, “We congratulate all the LGUs represented here this morning, this [is] a major accomplishment for you and for the stakeholders. If you’re looking for an LGU that is capable of accepting your application or your concern online, these are the LGUs that we advise you to go to because you are assured that in these LGUs there is transparency and accountability.”
The final day celebrated the successes achieved through strong public-private partnerships as the event recognized key stakeholders, including LGUs, government agencies, and international partners for their contributions to improving the business climate in the Philippines. Along with the recognition ceremonies on the third and final day, the convention also officially launched ARTA’s electronic Complaints Management System (eCMS), which aims to streamline the complaint-handling process and improve response times.
In the three-day convention, partner agencies and private sector stakeholders were also given the opportunity to set up booths that showcased their programs, products, and services offered to increase awareness and promotion of the event’s call to improve the country’s business climate through efficient regulations.
The convention directly addressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote ease of doing business and improve bureaucratic efficiency. By emphasizing collaboration, digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and international best practices, ARTA’s 2024 EODB Convention has positioned the Philippines to become a more competitive and business-friendly nation, in realization of President Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas.
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Empowering Excellence: Report Card Survey Awards for 2023 Cycle Honor Government Agencies Nationwide
6 November 2024 – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) conducted the Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0 Awards for the 2023 cycle on 30 October 2024 at Conrad Hotel Manila, Pasay City. This year’s ceremony marked the RCS 2.0 first batch of the first cycle from its pilot implementation in year 2022.
The said RCS 2.0 pilot implementation in year 2022 focused on 50 selected agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR). Based on the results of this pilot run, there are a total of five (5) agencies which garnered a score of “very satisfactory” rating, hence were eligible to receive both monetary and non-monetary awards. The results of this was concluded in an awarding ceremony held on 19 December 2022 where the five (5) agencies namely, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), University of the Philippines (UP), the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) were recognized.
A notable development for the RCS 2.0 first full cycle which started in 2023 is the inclusion of 860 government offices across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This full cycle brings out the Philippine government’s commitment to enhance the reliability and evaluation of public services.
Based on the FY 2023 cycle over-all results, a total of 160 agencies were identified as awardee agencies. This consists of 64 agencies with Excellent rating and 96 agencies with Very Satisfactory rating. Among these agencies, eighteen (18) agencies were identified as top performers across all agency sectors.
For the National Government Agency sector, the top 5 includes: (1) Department of the Interior and Local Government – Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON), (2) Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office 1, (3) Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office – Region 11, (4) Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office 11, and (5) Department of Health – Davao Center for Health Development.
For Local Government Units (LGUs), the top include: (1) City Government of Imus, Cavite, (2) Municipal Government of Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, (3) City Government of Legazpi, Albay, (4) Municipal Government of Salay, Misamis Oriental, and (5) Provincial Government of South Cotabato. The Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), top performers consist of: (1) Land Bank of the Philippines – Cauayan Branch Office, (2) Land Bank of the Philippines – Branch Office – Talibon, and (3) Philippine Economic Zone Authority – Cluster 2 – Joint PEZA Customs Clearance Office – Davao. From the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) sector, awardees include (1) Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology – Main Campus, (2) Tarlac State University – Main Campus, (3) Cavite State University – Main Campus. The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center topped as Government Hospital, and lastly, the Bayawan Water District, Negros Oriental topped in the Local Water District sector.
All the awardee agencies which garnered a score of 95-100 or Excellent rating received a Gold Plaque of Recognition while those agencies with score of 90-94.99 or Very Satisfactory rating received a Silver Plaque of Recognition. Further, the top performing agencies also received monetary incentives amounting to PhP 100,000.00 (Top 1), PhP 80,000.00 (Top 2), PhP 70,000.00 (Top 3), PhP 60,000.00 (Top 4), and PhP 50,000.00 (Top 5) respectively.
Meanwhile, based on the RCS 2.0 over-all results, there are 81 agencies marked with satisfactory rating, 105 agencies tagged as compliant, 83 agencies marked a “needs improvement” rating, 311 agencies tagged with “requires thorough review of RA 11032 requirements, and 120 agencies are marked with “Incomplete” rating.
The awarding of performing agencies for RCS 2.0 – 2023 cycle underscores the government’s commitment in enhancing the public service delivery. The data collected for the 2023 cycle throughout the year provided ARTA with valuable insights into the effectiveness of government service delivery nationwide. This feedback not only highlights successes but also identifies areas for further enhancement.
ARTA’s goals aligned with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for reforming government processes, aiming to create a more systematic and straightforward public service that is compassionate and sympathetic to the needs of citizens in a Bagong Pilipinas.
As ARTA honored the awardees through the conduct of the ARTA RCS Awards (for 2023 cycle), it also encouraged all government agencies to embrace the spirit of competition and restructuring. Together, they share a purpose of building a government that is not only efficient but also trustworthy and aligned with the aspirations of the Filipino people.
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American Chamber of Commerce joins fight against red tape, signs MOU as ARTA Champion
3 October 2024 – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) of the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), making AmCham an ARTA Champion on 30 September 2024.
AmCham is the 31st organization to join the list of ARTA Champions, following the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
The MOU was signed by ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez and AmCham Executive Director David Ebb Hinchliffe; and ARTA Undersecretary for Legal Geneses R. Abot, and AmCham Director Ex-Officio and Chair of Energy and Power Committee Frank Thiel as witnesses.
Similar to other ARTA Champions, AmCham will collaborate with ARTA to enforce Republic Act (RA) 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law. This enables AmCham to accept complaints from its members who encounter obstacles in their government transactions and refer them to ARTA for appropriate action.
The MOU also requires AmCham to advocate for the promotion of ARTA programs in order to increase public awareness.
ARTA Secretary Perez delivered a message highlighting the importance of the AmCham partnership with ARTA saying, “AmCham, with its vast network of American businesses operating in the Philippines, shares our vision of a more competitive and vibrant economy. Their expertise and insights are invaluable in identifying and addressing the challenges faced by the business community.”
“ARTA and AmCham can unleash the full potential of the Philippines and create a nation where businesses thrive, opportunities abound, and the Filipino people prosper,” the ARTA chief added.
Meanwhile, AmCham Executive Director Hinchliffe expressed his optimism about the newly formed partnership with ARTA saying, “The improvements and cutting the red tape volumes here all the time. I’m very honored today and excited about this Memorandum of Understanding with our Secretary [Perez]. I just say the stars are aligned. Let’s keep them aligned for a long time.”
ARTA executives present at the signing included Undersecretary for Operations Gerald G. Divinagracia, Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida, and Office of the Director General (ODG) Head Executive Assistant (HEA) Ma. Socorro Jocelyn DC. Abot.
AmCham attendees include Director Pam Navarro, Sustainability Committee Co-Chair Joseph Fabul, Agribusinesses and Legislative Committees Co-Chair Chris lagan, Young Professional Co-Chair Alden Labaguis, Manufacturing Committee Co-Chair Dan Lachica, The Arangkada Philippines Project (TAPP) Project Director Katie Stuntz, and Business Development Specialist Emman Atole.
In President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s eagerness to improve the business environment in Bagong Pilipinas, ARTA will continue to work closely with chambers of commerce to combat red tape and enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines.
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PH Ranks in Top 40% of Countries; Shows Regulatory Framework Excellence
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) welcomes the Philippines’ inclusion in the top 40% of the 50 economies assessed in the World Bank Group’s (WBG) pilot Business Ready (B-READY) Report, identifying the country in the Second Quintile – a group of economies that exhibit strong performance but also show potential for improvement.
The Philippines secured 16th place in the Regulatory Framework Pillar underscoring the country’s progress in fostering a more conducive business environment, reflecting the administration’s success in establishing clear and effective rules and regulations that support business operations from start-up to closure. Meanwhile, ARTA acknowledges the need for further improvement in the other two pillars: Public Services and Operational Efficiency.
Moreover, the report revealed the country’s strong performance in the topic areas of Labor, International Trade, and Utility Services. It highlights significant advancements made in improving labor conditions, digitalizing trade processes, and providing transparent utility services. Key areas identified for improvement include Business Entry, Business Location, Market Competition, and Business Insolvency.
ARTA is confident that the country’s ranking will continue to improve with the full implementation of the government’s efforts that are designed to enhance the delivery of government services. We recognize the need for a whole-of-nation approach that underscores the significance of coordinated and harmonized alignment of relevant service delivery from the government to the stakeholders.
With the leadership of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ARTA is confident that our ongoing efforts will lead to positive results, with the 2024 B-READY Report serving as an important baseline. While it may not yet fully capture the impact of the government’s recent initiatives, we are optimistic about the continued improvements in the country’s business environment moving forward.
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ARTA Begins Rollout of Ease of Doing Business Law to Barangays
8 October 2024 – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) through the Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation Office (CMEO) has officially launched the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, to Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR). This initiative is a key component of ARTA’s strategic objectives for 2024.
The rollout includes an orientation on the key provisions of RA 11032 and related ARTA guidelines, designed to guide barangays in complying with the law. Additionally, a workshop will be held to assist BLGUs in drafting their own Citizens’ Charter, a core requirement under Section 6 of the law.
“The primary goal of rolling out the Ease of Doing Business law to barangays is to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure compliance with the law’s mandates,” said ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.
Since the enactment of RA 11032 in 2018, barangays have recorded the lowest compliance rate in submitting their Citizens’ Charters. According to the data collected by the CMEO, ARTA has only received submissions from 6 barangays out of the 1,710 BLGUs in NCR.
“With this rollout, we anticipate a significant improvement in the compliance rate for the submission of Citizens’ Charters,” said CMEO Director Grace L. Fernandez. “We also seek to leverage on the rollout of ARTEMIS to improve Citizen’s Charter compliance rates,” she added. The Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System or ARTEMIS is a web-based platform that facilitates the submission and evaluation of Citizen’s Charter submitted by government agencies and provides a real-time database accessible to the public.
The pilot run took place in Pasig City through the initiative of the Pasig Local Economic Development and Investments Promotions Office (PLEDIPO). Held over two days from 22 to 23 July 2024, the rollout was attended by 29 out of the city’s 30 barangays. Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, Assistant City Administrator and Officer-in-Charge of PLEDIPO expressed the city’s gratitude to ARTA for its continuous support in helping local governments comply with RA 11032.
Further supporting the initiative, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) hosted a one-day orientation and workshop on 5 September 2024, attended by representatives from 14 barangays across 14 NCR LGUs. DILG-NCR emphasized the critical role barangays play in enhancing bureaucratic efficiency, from national to grassroots governance.
“This initiative is founded on the belief that barangays, as the basic political unit of our governance system, are essential in improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency and global competitiveness,” added Secretary Perez.
More rollouts are scheduled for October 2024, with ARTA targeting at least 150 barangays by year-end. The agency will also conduct on-site monitoring and inspections in pilot barangays starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 and continuing into the first quarter of 2025.
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