MANILA, Philippines – the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) organized a luncheon forum on 29 June 2023 at New World Hotel Makati to highlight the updates on government streamlining the filing of applications and business permits, with a particular focus on the revolutionary Electronic Business One-Stop Shops (eBOSS) Compliance Report for Local Government Units (LGUs) through a digital portal, introduced by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The forum featured Director General Ernesto V. Perez, the Secretary of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). ARTA is responsible for overseeing the implementation of R.A. 11032 and its regulations monitor compliance with the national anti-red tape policy and fosters a business-friendly environment in the country.
“We always hear about complaints against red tape, corruption, delays... of course it is inevitable, but we can address this if you can let us know... that way we will be true to our mandate in implementing the policy against corruption” says ARTA Secretary Perez.
The luncheon fostered a meaningful dialogue centered around President Marcos Jr.'s directives, which emphasize the modernization and digitization of data and processes as key priorities for his administration. Building upon the reform efforts initiated by the previous administration, the President has proposed several legislations, including the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP), E-Government Act, and E-Governance Act, to further advance these goals.
Secretary Perez, in his address at the event, highlighted the ongoing efforts to streamline critical sectors with substantial economic impact, such as Telecoms & Connectivity, Energy, Logistics, Housing, Health, Food and Pharma, and Infrastructure, optimizing their operations and effectiveness.
The forum concluded in a panel discussion with Mr. Tore Henriksen, Board Director of the GPCCI and President and Managing Director of the Doehle Shipmanagement Philippines Corporation. This discussion addressed the expectations of the private sector from the government on improving the operation of businesses here in the Philippines such as: predictability, regulation, and international standards.
Moreover, he presented the efforts of the public sector, particularly ARTA on the ease of doing business and streamlining government processes here in the Philippines to which he highlighted the importance of aligning international and local policies. He shared that as long as there is awareness in the processes and practices of ARTA predictability remains existent.
Finally, Secretary Perez emphasized the department's strong commitment to embracing recommendations aimed at enhancing government efficiency and fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors. Notably, ARTA stands ready to extend assistance to German-Philippine businesses, offering support, exploring a future memorandum of understanding to navigating potential obstacles or conflicts that may arise on the endeavors of German-Philippine businesses.