THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is set to file charges against 131 local government units (LGUs) for their failure to comply with government efforts to streamline processes as part of the ease of doing business in the country.
In a briefing in Malacañang, ARTA Director Ernesto Perez said the charges will be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman within the next two weeks.
The LGUs will be charged for violation of Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (EODB law), and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, among others.
Perez said under the EODB law, all local government units are required to set up an Electronic-Business One-Stop Shop (E-BOSS).
On the other hand, RA 6713 mandates all public officials and employees to respond and act promptly on government-issued letters, telegrams, requests and other means of communication within 15 days from receipt.
Perez said the 131 LGUs failed to respond to the notices issued by ARTA to 431 local governments asking them to explain their failure to set up an E-BOSS.
Perez said that of the 1,402 LGUs in the country, only 115 local governments have fully complied and set up their E-BOSS as of March 31.
In Metro Manila, only the municipality of Pateros has yet to comply with the EODB law and set up its ease of doing business system.
“Mahigpit po ang direktiba ng ating mahal na Pangulo for all government processes to be streamlined and digitalized. Ito po, napatunayan natin na ito po ang pinakaepektibong paraan para labanan ang red tape at corruption in the process (The directive of the president is for all government processes to be streamlined and digitalized. This has been proven as an effective way to fight red tape and corruption in the process of doing business),” Perez said.
Perez said among the reasons cited by the LGUs that failed to comply with the EODB law include slow to no internet service and lack of budget.
Perez said the Marcos government stands by its goal of setting up the E-BOSS in all LGUs by 2028, or by the time President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. steps down from office.
“In 2028… all local government units should be compliant with electronic business one-stop shop because we know that by attracting businesses to come in, that’s why we’re replacing red tape with red carpet, because this is the number one concern amongst the businessmen,” he added.
