The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) will tap artificial intelligence (AI) in handling its complaints as part of the agency’s efforts to improve the Philippines’ rank in the World Bank’s Business Ready Report.
Secretary Ernesto Perez, ARTA director-general, on Monday said the agency will roll out in 2025 the Electric Complaints Management System where the public can report red tape- related issues for prompt action and resolution.
“We are developing the use of AI in receiving complaints which will operate 24/7 for any concern,” Perez said.
He said ARTA is taking steps to comply with order of the Office of the President to improve the Philippines’ rank in the Business Ready Report. The target is to move up to top 20 percent of the 50 countries covered by the report in 2026 from this year’s 40 percent.
“Prospective and existing investors look at the country’s performance (in doing business when making investment decisions). It has a direct correlation to FDIs (foreign direct investments). If we improve our ranking, investments will flock into our country,” said Perez.
He added ARTA is preparing the composition of a technical working group composed of government agencies and private sector.
While the Philippines ranked high, at 16th, in terms of providing the right regulatory framework, it ranked much lower in government efficiency and public services.
“We have good laws and regulations on ease of doing business. We are good in planning but we fail in implementation,” Perez said.
He said investors continue to face difficulties with their permits on the side of the evaluators, who are usually the frontliners.
In his presentation, Perez said 112 local government units have fully complied with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop for fully digitalized and streamlined permitting.
Fastest processing time is recorded in Valenzuela where a business permit can be processed within five minutes ARTA also achieved 98.23 percent resolution rate reflects its dedication to addressing public concerns effectively. Of the 24,092 complaints filed in 2024, 23,666 were resolved.
