Agencies urged to review procedures for better service

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is urging government agencies to review their systems and procedures for the implementation of a new law mandating faster and more efficient transactions in public offices.

Republic Act 11032, or the Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery, amends the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

Signed by President Duterte last May 28, RA 11032 prescribes short processing period in business and non-business transactions. It mandates three working days for processing simple transactions, seven working days for complex transactions and 20 working days for highly technical applications and transactions.

Stiffer penalties shall be imposed on those who will fail to observe the prescribed transaction periods.

The new law also requires national agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units to set up electronic online systems to make application processes for business permits and other documents faster and more convenient for the public.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority, which shall be headed by a director-general, is tasked to implement the new law.

The CSC said it welcomes the passage of the new law.

CSC chair Alicia dela Rosa- Bala said the expansion of the ARTA law runs parallel to the government’s efforts to improve its competitiveness ranking and to provide citizens with quicker, more efficient and more responsive service.

She also said the new law presents challenges and opportunities for government workers to better serve the people. She noted that unlike the ARTA which focused only on frontline services, RA 11032 covers all government transactions.