President Marcos cites PH gains in fighting red tape

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recognized the efforts of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in enhancing the delivery of government services.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez said the President acknowledged the agency’s work in addressing public complaints and simplifying procedures across various government offices, which has led to a notable drop in red tape-related cases.

Perez said the President noted that delays linked to bureaucracy continue to decline through digitalization and stricter adherence to the Citizens’ Charter.

Perez added that the majority of complaints referred to concerned agencies were resolved promptly.

“Significant decrease, in fact, even President Marcos, in his message to ARTA, in our accomplishment report, recognized the big role that ARTA is doing towards improving service efficiency,” Perez said during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

“Cases that were filed with us almost mga more than 90 percent are resolved,” he added.

According to Perez, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) currently tops the list of agencies receiving the most complaints.

Previously, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was the most complained-about agency but it has improved its standing to third place.

He clarified that a high number of complaints often reflects the volume of transactions handled by an agency, rather than pointing solely to inefficiency.

Perez underscored that ongoing digitalization efforts and streamlined processes have made government services more accessible, supported by regular inspections and strict compliance with Citizens’ Charter standards.

“Itong ating ginagawa using digitalization, streamlined and digitalization process, so that we make it easier for people to have access to government service, conducting regular orientations, briefings, conducting on-the-spot and regular inspections,” he said.

“This put government agencies really on their toes, to make sure that they comply with the law, particularly on the requirement of the citizen charter,” he added.

The ARTA chief also shared that foreign investors and ambassadors have expressed confidence in the administration’s reform agenda, particularly initiatives aimed at simplifying procedures and improving transparency.

Among these is “Tala,” an artificial intelligence system being developed to deliver real-time updates on government services and projects through a unified public portal.

Perez noted that recurring concerns from foreign investors—especially those involving the Bureau of Internal Revenue—are being addressed through stronger coordination and more proactive governance.

To further enhance the business climate, ARTA is advocating for the full rollout of electronic business one-stop shops in all local government units, alongside a centralized business portal to speed up permitting and licensing processes.

Perez said these reforms, along with upcoming initiatives such as a business registry forum, are intended to attract more investments, create jobs, and support sustained economic growth.

-Paraluman News