Less red tape at LTFRB seen
The EoDB law requires all government agencies to streamline government processes to three working days for simple transactions, seven working days for complex transactions, and 20 working days for transactions requiring highly technical assessment
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is working on revising its citizen’s charter to streamline processes in line with the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) law.
In its letter of response to the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) order to issue the certificates of transport network vehicle systems applicants, which have been pending at its office for over a year, the LTFRB said it has reviewed its charter “more than once” upon the assumption of the new board and is set to approve another substantial revision.
“The board is steadfast to keep our citizen’s charter abreast and proactive with the demand and needs of our stakeholders. The revised citizen’s charter shall be submitted within the period set by the order,” the letter signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III and two other board members said.
The ARTA is directing the LTFRB to submit its revised charter within 20 days after its receipt of the order on 14 August.
While the LTFRB said it will be complying with the time period set forth by the EoDB law for the completion of simple and complex transactions, the LTFRB said it “requires a level of autonomy to comprehensively deliver its mandate,” being a quasi-judicial agency.
The LTFRB sought guidance and clarification on Republic Act 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which excludes from its coverage agencies performing judicial, quasi-judicial and legislative functions.
ARTA earlier on said it also plans to issue guidelines for quasi-judicial agencies do away with red tape, as the EODB law in itself allows some special laws anchored to the quasi-judicial agencies’ mandate to prevail.
To recall, the EoDB law requires all government agencies to streamline government processes to three working days for simple transactions, seven working days for complex transactions, and 20 working days for transactions requiring highly technical assessment.
Under the revised charter, ARTA said that the LTFRB should specify which of the transactions under it are considered simple, complex and highly technical. The EoDB law requires all government agencies to harmonize its citizen’s charter with the law’s salient provisions.