‘Single window’ project to bring gov’t, business sector online

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – All government financial transactions will be integrated in an online system that is expected to be "put in place" by mid-2006, paving the way for a "national single window" that will fast-track the private sector’s dealings with the government and eventually link up with other countries.

Customs Commissioner Alexander Arevalo, who heads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) single window task force, said the plan, which has received funding from the European Union Commission and is expected to receive more from the EU, Japan and the United States, would enable even individuals to transact business with the government even at home.

Arevalo said the Bureau of Customs is already in the "technical specifications stage" of the plan to integrate online all financial transactions of the various government agencies.

Last December, Malacañang approved some P500 million for this project, which was awarded to Unisys, an American firm.

"We expect this scheme to be put in place by the middle of next year," he said.

Arevalo said Malacañang is studying a draft of an executive order for the full implementation of the project, which, he noted, will integrate all government records and transactions revealing income and expenditures.

"It will be a virtual balance sheet showing income statements and other financial matters," he said.

He said the system will also simplify and facilitate import, export and inter-agency procedures for the business sector and agencies issuing various permits to companies which will transact through the system.

Arevalo said the project will link up with the Rosettanet system, which is already being accessed in developed countries.

He said the EU Commission has granted 300,000 euros for the project, and is expected to release a grant of another 1.3 million euros.

He expressed confidence that another $500,000 grant from the US Agency for International Development and $10 million from Japan would be forthcoming.

Arevalo said the Rosettanet system is expected to be fully implemented in the ASEAN in the next five to 15 years.

He said the ASEAN chose the Philippines to be the pilot area for the single window system. The plan also includes linking up with Thailand via the system.

"Through this system, you can transact business with the Clark Development Corp. or any other establishment via the Internet in your homes," he said.