ARTA tags Taguig, Pasig over BOSS

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has reminded the local government units (LGUs) of Taguig and Pasig to improve their business permit system by putting in place a business one-stop shop (BOSS) in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business Act. 

ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said the two cities have yet to fully comply with provisions of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Delivery Service Act, following on-the-spot checks on the business permit and licensing office conducted by the agency. 

“These cities are yet to establish a BOSS as envisioned by the law and the guidelines. That’s why, we vow to fully assist and guide our millennial mayors to ensure their goal of a world-class BOSS across the metro,” he said. 

Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act aims to curb bureaucratic red tape by setting a required period of time for government agencies to complete transactions. 

Simple transactions should be completed within three days, complex ones should be done within seven days, and highly technical ones in 20 days.

To facilitate ease in doing business, the law requires LGUs to put in place a BOSS for the processing of applications for business permits and automate the business permit and licensing system.

In addition, LGUs should use a single or unified business application form for new applications. 

LGUs should likewise consolidate local clearances with the issuance of business permits.

Renewal of permits should be allowed during the anniversary of the issuance instead of just during the first month of the year. 

Belgica said LGUs have to improve their permitting systems by implementing various initiatives such as occupying more client-friendly venues in malls, setting up systems that are easier to navigate, co-locating other local government offices related in permitting, automating select steps of the permitting process, and employing extra personnel to assist the applicants. 

ARTA is conducting surprise visits to different LGUs this month to ensure compliance to the law, especially as now is the busiest time for business permit applications and renewals. 

Apart from Taguig and Pasig, ARTA has visited Manila and Quezon City.