Legalized hustling of citizenry

THIS is that time of year when a lot of Filipinos (and probably even non-Filipinos here) renew their annual permits, registrations,

and other similar documentation.

The ease and speed by which these processes are completed are dependent on the government agency involved, the territorial jurisdiction, and more importantly, the kind of “public servant” one is dealing with.

An act that promotes the ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services, Republic Act 11032, was signed into law on May 28, 2018. It also created the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). Among its functions is to monitor and evaluate the performance of government agencies, including that of the local government units (LGUs).

I renewed my professional registration by paying the corresponding professional tax in Makati City. It that of the barangay. The barangay should simply look into its records and if you do not have any derogatory record there, then a clearance should be given to you. By the way, the Business Permit and Licensing

- wise charge a separate fee of P500 labeled as “Barangay Clearance.” What is the meaning of this? You are being hustled and charged twice.

Why

is

this needed in

This is something new. However, this is not applicable in the cities or municipalities serviced by Maynilad or Manila Water. One of the conditions of the concession agreement binding Maynilad or Manila Water is for the latter to implement a separate discharge pipe. Hence, this is a “paid” obligation of the water concessionaires and the building or house occupant should not be saddled with such discharge clearance from DENR. You know, this will just be another avenue for hustling.

Huh? Are we reading this correctly? Where will this be used for? What is the relevance of these billings in the permit to be renewed?

The Supreme Court ruled a long time ago that the residence tax or cedula is no longer needed in the notarization of documents. Any valid iden-