Most local government units (LGUs) are still not fully compliant with the provisions of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Delivery Service Act of 2018 or Republic Act (RA)11032, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Jeremiah Belgica, ARTA director-general last week conducted on-the-spot checks on several Metro Manila cities, including Taguig City and Pasig City, particularly checking the system of their business permit and licensing offices (BLPOs).
Belgica inspected the step-by-step process of applying and renewing business permits where he found points for improvement.
These cities are yet to establish a business one-stop shop as envisioned by the law and the guidelines, Belgica said.
January is the busiest time for the BPLOs as it is the business application and renewal season for all Philippine businesses.
Belgica said cities should improve their permitting systems by implementing various initiatives such as occupying more client-friendly venues malls, setting up systems that are physically easier to navigate, co-locating other local government offices related in permitting, automating select steps of the permitting process, employing extra personnel to assist the applicants, and providing incentives such as free printing and photocopying, massages, and snacks.
Under Section 11 of RA 11032, LGUs are mandated to implement the following: the use of a single or unified business application form for new applications; establishment of a business one-stop shop (BOSS); automation of their business permit and licensing system or the implementation of an electronic BOSS; consolidation of local clearances with the issuance of business permits; renewal of permits during the anniversary of the issuance instead of during the first month of the year only; and application, issuance, and collection of barangay clearances and doing business permits at the city or municipality.
