A COMPLAINT for alleged violations of RA 11032 or the Law on Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service was filed against Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado before the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday.
Complainant Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), represented by director general Jeremiah Belgica, accused the governor of inaction on the application of one Henry Zabala for a quarry permit within reasonable time.
Zabala originally sought the help of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission which referred the case to the ARTA which has jurisdiction over complaints on delayed action or refusal of service by a public office.
The ARTA said the applicant had complied with all necessary documentary requirements and paid the recommended fees but has not been informed whether his application has been disapproved or granted.
Zabala claimed the processing of his application has been pending for over a year.
Last August 16, 2019, the ARTA notified the Office of the Governor to submit a written explanation within three days about the delay in processing to which Tallado replied that an opposition was lodged against the grant of permit to Zabala.
Likewise, the governor informed the ARTA that the applicant had been previously granted a quarry permit but failed to remit sand and gravel taxes from April 28, 2016 to April 27, 2017.
Zabala, in response, issued a sworn statement attesting to full compliance with the requirements, including payment of dues.
ARTA issued an Order of Automatic Approval in favor of the applicant that was served to Gov. Tallado by courier last September 26 which has not been implemented.
It said that under Section 21 (d) of RA 11032, Tallado was required to inform the requesting party if his application has been disapproved rather keep the applicant dangling indefinitely.
