DOF formally creates anti-red tape team

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Finance has created an Anti-Red Tape team, following President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to all government offices to provide fast and hassle-free services to the public.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III issued Department Order 38-2016, directing the team to create measures to speed up work-related processes not only at DOF but also in its attached agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

The DOF order has appointed Undersecretary Gil Beltran as anti-red tap czar. Beltran was head of DOF's Office of the Chief Economist.

The order supports the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 which mandates all public offices to implement measures promoting transparency and simplified procedures and expedite government transactions.

President Duterte ordered all department secretaries to cut red tape in their agencies in his first Cabinet meeting last June 30.

The DOF order seeks to find ways to enable the public to transact with the government at a faster pace at least cost.

Based on Dominguez's order, the Anti-Red Tape team will review DOF's Citizen Charter and its rules and regulations, including those of its attached agencies and GOCCs.

The team should strictly comply with the provisions of RA No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act), improve efficiency in the conduct and delivery of services, and simplify procedures while ensuring proper controls are in place," Dominguez said in the order.

The team should also ensure that transparency in government transactions is maintained.

It will also recommend measures to rationalize government procedures and explore the use of modern communication technologies.  (FREEMAN)