Got complaints vs. gov't employees? AI bot Tala is here to help

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on Wednesday launched its artificial intelligence chatbot, Tala, allowing citizens to file complaints against government offices or personnel.

According to a report on 24 Oras, Tala—short for Transparency, Accountability and Law in Action—can understand and respond in 17 languages, including Bisaya. One of its key features is the option for users to submit complaints anonymously.

ARTA said Tala receives and validates complaints before forwarding them to the concerned agency’s Committee on Anti-Red Tape for appropriate action. The chatbot is accessible through kiosks installed in selected government offices and via the eGov mobile app.

The launch of Tala is part of ARTA’s broader digital push, which also includes a centralized dashboard that serves as a gateway and analytics hub for the agency’s online platforms.

These include the Philippine Business Information Systems, a repository of government regulations, and the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System, which provides public access to agencies’ Citizens’ Charters.

The dashboard features real-time data analytics and an interactive map that allows the public to monitor compliance by government agencies and local government units (LGUs) with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop and Citizens’ Charter requirements.

It also includes an AI-powered search engine, Tala 3.0, which can be used for inquiries or for filing anonymous complaints.

The radio report added that ARTA is looking to install dashboard-equipped kiosks in more offices nationwide, subject to the agency’s budget for 2026.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News