By Prince Golez
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), which oversees the implementation of Republic Act No. (RA) 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law, has served as the “disruptor of negative norms and practices in the bureaucracy,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
On Monday, Marcos Jr. said streamlining bureaucratic processes stimates economic growth, attracts investments, and enhances the overall quality of governance.
“In just five years, the men and women of ARTA have definitely proven that change in the way we serve in government is possible. It is possible to do things now to empower the improvement of process and make transactions easier and more comnvenient for our clients, the Filipino people,” the President said in the message read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during ARTA’s 5th anniversary celebration.
He cited ARTA’s dedication to streamlining regulaton and processes in the telecommunications sector, saying that it has paved the way for smoother operations and enhanced connectivity.
“By reducing the required permits from 13 to eight, streamlining documentary requirements from 86 to 35 and drastically cutting down the turn around time from 241 working days to just 16 working days, ARTA has effectively facilitated the rapid deployment of telecommunications infrastructure across the land,” according to him.
Through Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on poles, Marcos Jr. said the agency has effectively streamlined the process by reducing permits from 11 to five, simplifying documentary requirements from 62 to 26, and significantly reducing turnaournd time from 868 days to only 74 working days.
Signed in October 2021, JMC No. 1, Series of 2021, titled the “Streamlined Guidelines for the Issuance of Permits and Clearances for the Erection of Poles, Construction of Underground Fiber Ducts, and Installation of Aerial and Underground Cables and Facilities to Accelerate the Roll Out of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure,” aims to provide guidelines to streamline the processes and requirements when it comes to application for permits and clearances for the erection of poles, construction of underground fiber ducts, and installation of cables and facilities along national, local, and subdivision roads, including pavements and sidewalks.
“These streamlined processes have facilitated the explansion of telecommunication networks and accelerated the development of our digital economy,” he said.
The Chief Executive also boasted that such improvements in the telecommunicaitons sector have not gone unnoticed in the global stage.
“[According] to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index released in March 2023, the Philippines has significantly improved its ranking in mobile internet speed. Our country climbed from 93rd to 79th place, while in fixed broadband, we went from 60th to 41st place. This progress has enhanced communication infrastructure, has faciliated economic growth, and has generally mproved the lives of our citizens,” he said.
In his speech, Marcos Jr. also mentioned the implementation of the electronic business one-stop shop or the eBOSS.
“With eBOSS, ARTA has made the process of business registration simple and convenient by simplifation of procedures, has reduced the time required for registering business and has encouraged entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enteprrises,” he said.
“The success of eBOSS is testament to the power of digital transformation in promoting ease of business and stimulating economic development.”
The President also underscored ARTA’s partnership with the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Cente, which has been instrumental in ensuring that government agencies remain accountable and responsive to the public needs.
“It is rewarding to witness the growing confidence of our people to start their businesses, transact with governmenr offices and seek redress to their grievances. Moreso, we deem it promising that our bureaucratic enhancements will also attract more foreign partnerships and investments that will inevitably benefit our economy and the lives of the people we serve.
“As the world ushers us into the digital era, it becomes our mission and commitment that no one is left behind as we march forward to measure up to global standards,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. said that he looks forward to even more accomplishments for ARTA in the coming years.
“I am confident that with your undiminished and steadfast dedication to serve the people and given your passion to advance the mandates of RA 11032, ARTA will be ready and equipped to lead over the hurdles the future holds,” he concluded.
