Quezon city: The chief of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is hopeful that their request for at least PHP80 million allocation for 2026 will be approved, to further boost their capacity to investigate complaints against government personnel and agencies. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez, in an interview on the sidelines of the launch of ARTA's electronic complaints management system (eCMS) at the agency's office in Quezon City on Wednesday, said their proposed budget for next year is around PHP490 billion.
According to Philippines News Agency, Perez expressed that they will request additional funding to support regional field offices and hire more lawyers, which will be sufficient to sustain operations for the coming year. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already granted their earlier request for additional lawyers. Perez emphasized the need for more manpower to fulfill their mandate of ensuring ease of doing business (EODB).
Since its establishment following the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11032 or the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act" on May 28, 2018, ARTA has received over 29,000 complaints. RA 11032 is subject to review every five years, and Perez is optimistic that ARTA will be further empowered after the second review. He mentioned the possibility of proposing amendments to the law to grant ARTA more power to issue subpoenas, contingent on approval from the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, the launch of ARTA's eCMS, which allows the public to file complaints through the eGovPH app in 13 Philippine dialects, is expected to improve bureaucratic processes. Most government agencies have been onboarded to the eCMS, and local governments are required to form an anti-red tape committee. Perez noted that over 99 percent of complaints filed have been addressed, with only a small fraction progressing to formal investigations. The eCMS, operational 24/7, is anticipated to expedite resolution times.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to utilize technological innovations and artificial intelligence for a more transparent, efficient, and accountable public service. Aguda stated that the eCMS aligns with the administration's digitalization agenda and the 'Konektadong Pinoy' bill, which aims for universal connectivity across the Philippines. He assured that every Filipino will have access to affordable connectivity, fulfilling the President's promise.
