Gov’t agencies have 15 days to answer public requests

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has given all government agencies in frontline services only 15 days to respond to all public requests and concerns.

This after Duterte signed Memorandum Circular No. 44 which directs all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, to respond to all public requests and concerns within that period of time.

The circular, which was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, takes effect immediately.

“All government agencies and instrumentalities, including governmentowned or controlled corporations performing frontline services as defined in RA No. 9485 are hereby directed to respond to all public requests and concerns within 15 days from receipt thereof, unless a shorter period is provided under applicable laws and issuances,” the memorandum circular read.

Under RA No. 9485, frontline services are defined as the process or transaction between clients and government offices or agencies involving application for any privilege, right, permit, reward, license, concession, or for any modification, renewal or extension of the enumerated applications and, or requests which are acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the agency or office concerned.

Duterte has repeatedly vowed to streamline processes in government agencies by reducing the requirements and the processing time of all applications. He said this is part of his administration’s efforts cut long processing periods and red tape in all government agencies.