It has been a while since Republic Act (RA) 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, took effect. I wonder if all local government units (LGUs) have complied with the law’s mandate for fast and efficient public service, particularly in releasing business permits, licenses and other clearances.
In a related development, a news report stated that the LGUs are now mandated by a joint memorandum circular (JMC) from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Board of Investments (BoI) to establish “Green Lanes” to cater to strategic investments.
According to the report, these Green Lanes are dedicated units within government agencies — especially LGUs — that will fast-track permits, licenses and other clearances for priority projects endorsed by the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments.
This JMC issued by the DILG and BoI is an admission that LGUs are still sluggish in issuing permits, clearances and licenses to businesses, both big and small. In fact, small entrepreneurs often lament that applying for new or renewing business permits and licenses eats up their time as they wait in long queues at LGU offices.
The intent of RA 11032 is not only to fast-track services for the public and businesses but also to curb, if not prevent, corruption at the permit and licensing level in every LGU. I have previously received complaints from friends and acquaintances who felt obliged to offer “grease money” to expedite their applications for business permits, licenses or clearances.
Section 11 of RA 11032 mandates streamlined procedures for LGUs to issue business licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations under revised guidelines. The law also requires the use of one uniform form in all LGUs.
It may be recalled that Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, after being proclaimed winners in the last May midterm polls, announced in an interview that Cebu City would become the first LGU in the country to implement round-the-clock operations at City Hall.
“This is the only City Hall probably in the whole country that never sleeps,” Archival said in that interview. “We designed this for people who work during the day, so they can still access government services at night.” He credited the idea to Vice Mayor Osmeña. I hope this proposed policy is now in place.
RA 11032 mandates government agencies to simplify and streamline their processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape and processing times for business and non-business transactions. The law sets clear time limits for government agencies to act on applications:
• Simple transactions: maximum of three working days;
• Complex transactions: maximum of seven working days; and
• Highly technical transactions: maximum of 20 working days.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) was created to oversee the implementation of the law, receive complaints and recommend reforms to streamline government processes.
Government officials who fail to comply with the law face penalties, including a six-month suspension for a first offense and dismissal from service, forfeiture of benefits and even criminal liability, including imprisonment of one to six years for a second offense. Has anyone been charged by Arta for failing to comply with this law? Just asking.
To further expedite processes and keep up with the new trend in this age of AI, LGUs should enable electronic submission of applications for permits and licenses, consistent with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The law promotes the automation of business processes, encouraging the creation of Business One-Stop Shops and online portals to facilitate transactions.
We look forward to the day when all LGUs are cyber-capable and fully automated.