The private sector is set to conduct a review of regulatory processes in the country to help address the longstanding issue of red tape.
The review is being spearheaded by the Philippines – Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc. (EASE PH), which serves as the private sector convenor of the Buklod Bayani Coalition composed of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government and business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Employers Confederation of the Philippines.
EASE PH president Roberto Alvarez Jr. told reporters during the initiative’s launch that the private sector is undertaking the review to simplify processes for securing permits and clearances.
Alvarez said the initiative would also support ARTA’s ongoing review of processes.
While the ARTA is undertaking a review focusing on certain sectors, he said the agency has limited manpower.
The review will involve working with industry organizations in all sectors including real estate, mining, telecommunications and energy.
After the review, Alvarez said the private sector would come up with recommendations to be presented to the government agencies and local government units involved, as well as the ARTA and President Marcos.
‘Many of the steps are unnecessary. Some of these were placed by the government before. Maybe two presidents or three presidents ago. It’s no longer necessary. So, we will tell them to remove that,’ he said.
Apart from simplifying and reducing the number of steps, he said the initiative is expected to help curb corruption.
‘When they know they will get caught or they know they can be seen, they will hesitate to do it. If they know they can get away with it, many people will just do it, right? But now, if they think that somebody’s looking at them, then it’s going to be harder,’ he said.
While the initiative may not eradicate corruption, he said it may make it harder for such to take place as the process for doing business becomes easier.
Board of Investments chief investments specialist Lubin De Vera Jr. said the Ease of Doing Business – Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council has passed a resolution recognizing EASE PH as the convener of private sector participation in the review of regulatory processes, acknowledging the crucial role the sector plays in advancing reforms.
‘Businesses, both domestic and foreign, still encounter regulatory complexities, delays and inefficiencies,’ De Vera said, noting that it can take up to 75 days for local firms and more than 100 days for foreign firms just to complete registration.
These numbers are above global averages and those seen in other Southeast Asian countries.
‘If we are serious about making the Philippines an investment destination of choice, these delays must be addressed directly and decisively,’ De Vera said.
Alvarez said the initiative would also be presented during the PCCI’s Philippine Business Conference later this month to increase awareness and get more sectors involved.