Latest news with #Anti-RedTapeAuthority
Filipino Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
ARTA recognizes partner agencies during EODB month culminating activity
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) shone a spotlight on agencies and private corporations that went above and beyond in supporting and advancing its initiatives during the first-ever Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month, celebrated in May 2025. EODB Month was officially established through Proclamation No. 818, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., designating May of each year as EODB Month. This proclamation underscores the government's commitment to enhancing public service delivery and fostering a more business-friendly environment—key pillars of a red tape-free Bagong Pilipinas. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez As the lead agency spearheading regulatory reform and business environment improvements, ARTA organized a dynamic lineup of month-long activities to raise public awareness and drive engagement across various sectors. Among the key initiatives were: – ARTA Poster Making Contest and Story/Reels Contest – Grand EODB Fairs across different regions – ARTAkbo: Run for Better Business Movement – Launch of the Philippine EODB Reform Guidebook – Philippine Good Regulatory Principles (PGRP) Summit – Palace Press Briefing featuring Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro – ARTA's 7th Anniversary Celebration These events drew strong participation from both government and private sector partners, exemplifying a whole-of-government approach to improving the country's business climate. During the culminating activity on 18 June 2025 at the ARTA Innovation Hub, UP Ayala Technohub, Quezon City, the Authority recognized the outstanding contributions of agencies, local government units (LGUs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) that actively supported the EODB Month celebration. Winners of the ARTA Poster Making and Story/Reels Contests were also awarded. Among the standout participants were representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Air Force Headquarters Air Mobility Command Team, Southern Isabela Medical Center, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), among others. In appreciation of their support and achievements, awardees received certificates and cash prizes sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), PhilTower Consortium, and Globe Telecom Inc. More than just a celebration, the inaugural EODB Month served as a unifying platform that reflects a shared national vision: a red tape-free Philippines that attracts investment and delivers world-class public service to all.
Filipino Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
ARTA launches joint memorandum circular to streamline permitting for water and wastewater projects
In a significant move toward improving access to safe and sustainable water services, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in collaboration with key government agencies and private sector stakeholders, officially launched the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Streamlining of the Permitting Process for the Construction, Installation, Restoration, Rehabilitation, Repair, and Maintenance of Water Supply and Wastewater Systems Along National, Local, and Private Roads. The launch was held at the ARTA Innovation Hub, UP Ayala TechnoHub in Quezon City. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez This milestone marks the culmination of a year-long, multi-stakeholder reform initiative aimed at eliminating long-standing bottlenecks in the permitting process for water infrastructure. The JMC institutionalizes a harmonized, transparent, and efficient permitting framework across the country, paving the way for the accelerated implementation of water infrastructure projects. 'Access to clean water is a fundamental right and a public good. Through this JMC, we are eliminating bottlenecks, aligning policies, and driving reforms that will directly benefit our communities and kababayans in a Bagong Pilipinas,' said ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez. Aligned with the government's commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), the JMC was developed through extensive consultations with national agencies, local government units (LGUs), private water providers, and other key stakeholders. It addresses issues such as fragmented permitting workflows, redundant requirements, high regulatory costs, and inconsistent local practices. Key features of the JMC include; Integration of barangay clearances into city/municipal-level processes; Standardized processing timelines aligned with Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018); Clear delineation of permitting authority based on road classification (national, local, private); Implementation of a unified excavation clearance system Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ilan Fluss, also expressed support for the initiative, highlighting shared experiences between the Philippines and Israel in managing water resources. 'Congratulations to you, Secretary Perez, to your team, and to all the agencies involved in this memorandum. This milestone reflects the strong collaboration among your institutions, as well as the enduring friendship between Israel and the Philippines,' said Ambassador Fluss. The launch was attended by officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), along with representatives from various LGUs and private entities. Private sector players such as Maynilad Water Services, Manila Water, and the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) were also present to express support for the JMC. Full implementation of the JMC will proceed following the formal signing by all concerned agencies. The implementation will be chaired by DPWH and co-chaired by DENR, who will oversee rollout efforts, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder coordination. This reform is a flagship initiative under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas campaign, reaffirming the government's commitment to streamlining public services and improving the quality of life for all Filipinos.
Filipino Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
PH aims for stronger UAE partnership in governance, crisis response
The Philippines is committed to enhancing cooperation with the UAE to improve governance and fight against corruption and bureaucracy. In an interview with WAM during the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025, Ernesto Perez, the Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, stated that the country is currently digitizing government processes to accelerate administrative reforms and improve the management of government resources. Through this initiative, the government aims to improve resource management and expedite administrative reforms. The UAE has established itself as a leader in digitalization, and Perez emphasized that the Philippines could leverage the UAE's advanced digital capabilities to streamline government procedures, ensure transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance crisis resilience. Perez mentioned that the Philippine government has made great progress in improving public services and using technology. They're also working with other countries to get better at handling crises and improving how the government runs.
