Align process with new normal, agencies told

THE Anti- Red Tape Authority ( ARTA) has ordered all government agencies to align their processes under its new- normal guidelines endorsed by the Inter- Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

In a statement on Friday, the anti- red tape body said its order, contained in Memorandum Circular ( MC) 2020- 06, provided simplified, streamlined and automated standards, measures and procedures to be adopted by all covered agencies in delivering efficient and hazard- free government services under the new normal.

“The objectives of this MC are to ensure that regulatory procedures and requirements do not unnecessarily constrain businesses in continuing to engage in productive economic activities; and to alleviate the impact [ of ] the Covid- 19 ( coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and to increase the productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies to support the effort of businesses to continue or to engage in business in the Philippines,” it explained in the circular.

The circular prescribes agencies to reduce the number of documentary requirements and to accept electronic submission of applications. It also required them to set up a payment gateway for digital payments, and avail themselves and recognize the use of the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, which utilizes digital signatures.

Accoridng to ARTA, the zero- contact policy provision in Republic Act 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” should not be used as a tool in denying government service to those requesting an update on the status of their applications.

In line with this policy, requirements for meeting with the applicant shall be removed, unless the procedure is considered necessary for a complex or a highly technical transaction. In such a case, the agency shall observe contactless interactions by using using technological platforms.

ARTA reminds agencies that the prescribed processing time under RA 11032 remains in effect.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO