CSC now accepts complaints on kotong, bribery through text

MANILA, Philippines - The government’s central helpline against red tape is expanding to accommodate complaints on kotong (extortion) and bribery from micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced yesterday.

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque said complaints can be forwarded to the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) through its text messaging hotline 0908-881-6565.

The CSC made the announcement during the launching of WASAK or “Walang Asenso sa Kotong” project in Quezon City.

Initiated by Sen. Bam Aquino in collaboration with government agencies and private groups, WASAK seeks to provide assistance to business-related concerns in support of the implementation of Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

Under the project, the CCB will serve as the feedback mechanism through which MSMEs can air their complaints on red tape, extortion and bribery as well as report government personnel and agencies that cause delays in business transactions.

Duque said the CSC and its partner agencies will ensure that proper disciplinary action is imposed on erring government officials and employees.

“We are honored to lend our support to the WASAK campaign and be of help to MSMEs to improve the country’s economy,” he said.

He lauded Aquino and the private groups for initiating the project.

“With all of us involved in this endeavor, I am confident that we could make a difference and strengthen the implementation of the anti-red tape law even further,” Duque said.

Other partners of the WASAK campaign include the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Competitiveness Council, Bantay.ph. and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The CCB was launched by the CSC and the Information and Communications Technology Office – National Computer Center in September 2012 as a feedback mechanism that places in one loop access to government agencies offering frontline services.