New law promises faster, more convenient gov’t transactions: CSC

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said the expansion of the ARTA law runs parallel to the government’s efforts to improve its competitiveness ranking and to provide citizens with quicker, efficient, and more responsive service. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) urges government agencies to review and revisit their systems and procedures for the purpose of re-engineering, if deemed necessary, as Republic Act No. 11032 mandates faster and more efficient transactions in public agencies.

R.A No. 11032 or “An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB-EGSD Act), Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9485 Otherwise Known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, and for Other Purposes,” signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on May 28, 2018 prescribes shortened processing periods in business and non-business transactions:

• three working days for simple transactions,
• seven working days for complex transactions, and
• 20 working days for highly technical application/transactions.

Stiffer penalties shall be imposed on those who fail to observe the prescribed transaction periods. Tasked to implement the law is the new Anti-Red Tape Authority which shall be headed by a Director-General.

The new law also requires national agencies, government-owned and/or controlled corporations and local government units to set up electronic/online systems to make application processes for business permits and other documents faster and more convenient to the public.

As the lead agency in the implementation of ARTA, the Civil Service Commission welcomes the passage of R.A No. 11032.

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said the expansion of the ARTA law runs parallel to the government’s efforts to improve its competitiveness ranking and to provide citizens with quicker, efficient, and more responsive service.

She added that the new law presents challenges and opportunities for state workers to better serve the people and pointed out that unlike the ARTA, which focused only on frontline services, the EODB-EGSD Act covers all government transactions.

“The Anti-Red Tape Act has set the stage for effecting reforms in frontline service delivery,” the CSC Chief said, citing a study made by the Ateneo School of Governance in 2015 (Enhancing the Anti-Red Tape Act Report Card Survey: A Report to the Civil Service Commission) which stated that results of the ARTA-Report Card Survey serve as basis for the agencies to improve their facilities, promoted transparency and significantly curbed red tape.

The study, commissioned by the Integrity for Investments Initiative and USAID Philippines, further stated the ARTA RCS keeps frontline employees on their toes, and they do their best to comply with the posted standards and ensure fast delivery of service. (CSC PR)