Duterte orders gov’t agencies to remove redundant, burdensome processes

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered agencies to do away with redundant and burdensome processes in order to expedite transactions in government.

Duterte issued the directive through Administrative Order 23 signed on February 21. The AO took effect immediately.

“They shall retain only such steps, procedures, and requirements as may be necessary to fulfill their legal mandates and policy objectives,” the AO stated.

“The imposition of tedious or time-consuming regulations on socially beneficial activities, as to render such activity impossible or extremely difficult to undertake, shall be especially targeted for reform.”

Duterte directed the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to monitor and ensure compliance with the AO.

The ARTA, in turn, will have to submit to the Office of the President its findings and recommendations, including the compliance of covered agencies and the data on the total number of regulations repealed, percentage of rules cut or simplified and the estimated amount of regulatory costs saved by the government per agency.

Failure to comply with the order will result in the filing of administrative cases, Duterte said.

The Philippines climbed 29 notches to the 95th spot globally in terms of ease of doing business, according to the World Bank report last year that took into consideration 190 economies.

The biggest improvements were registered in getting credit, protecting minority investors, and dealing with construction permits, the report said.

Higher scores were also registered in paying taxes, enforcing contracts, and registering property. — MDM, GMA News