The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has announced a significant push towards digitalization to streamline public services and eradicate bureaucratic delays. In a recent performance review broadcasted on PTV-4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez emphasized the agency’s commitment to enhancing efficiency through technology.
Perez highlighted the impact of Executive Order 32, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos in July 2023, which has drastically cut down the time needed for telecom companies to activate their towers from 255-300 days to just 59 days. This initiative has led to a 50% increase in permit issuance, with 9,062 permits granted by May 2024 compared to 6,117 in May 2022.
To further improve local government operations, ARTA is promoting the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), mandated by the Ease of Doing Business Law. As of December 2024, 113 local government units (LGUs) across the country, including all Metro Manila cities except Pateros, have adopted eBOSS. This system simplifies the process of applying for and receiving local business licenses and permits through a single digital portal.
ARTA’s efforts extend to training over 30 government agencies in regulatory practices and introducing the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System (ARTEMIS) to digitize Citizen’s Charters. Additionally, the agency launched the Electronic Complaints Management System (ECMS) in December 2024, which uses AI to handle complaints around the clock. The ECMS, complete with chatbot and voice features, is slated for full rollout by the third quarter of 2025.
In its fight against corruption and fixers, ARTA collaborates with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Agencies like the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Social Security System (SSS) have shown progress in managing complaints more effectively. Perez stressed the importance of swift action on grievances and warned against practices such as cut-off times that hinder service delivery.
Looking ahead, ARTA aims to make the Philippines more attractive to investors by continuing to eliminate red tape. Initiatives like the Philippine Business Regulation Information System (PBRIS) and the Philippine Competitiveness Dashboard are part of this effort. An upcoming Ease of Doing Business Economic Briefing on February 6 will further discuss these reforms with public and private sector leaders.