MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is implementing automated processes, including online payments, to promote ease of doing business in economic zones.
“Now on its 26th year, it is high time that PEZA adapt technology and innovations and explore digital platforms to improve governance, transparency, ease of doing business, and accountability,” PEZA director general Charito Plaza said.
Part of the efforts to automate processes is the use of an electronic payment collection system (EPCS) following the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with online payment gateway provider I-Pay MYEG Philippines Inc.
The MOA was signed in line with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act which seeks to reduce red tape and expedite government transactions.
Plaza said the EPCS, to be rolled out in 30 to 45 days, would allow clients to remit payments through automated teller machine accounts, credit cards, mobile wallets and over-the-counter facilities.
Apart from online payments, PEZA said it aims to have electronic filing of letters of authority (LOA) and integration of the eLOA to the payment gateway system by next month.
Also being automated are the engineering permits and visa for foreign investors.
PEZA said the engineering permits assessment monitoring system for the filing and monitoring of such permits is being updated to have a more efficient interconnection with the billing and collection system.
Development of the web-based system to manage and monitor the submission of visa applications of foreign nationals working for PEZA-registered enterprises, as well as their dependents, would begin this year.
Plaza said PEZA would also make use of an online system developed by the National Economic and Development Authority for the submission of tax incentives reports of locators receiving tax perks required by RA 10708 or the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act.
Ecozones are likewise automating the document management for PEZA.
The Cavite Economic Zone, in particular, has started the digitization and document management system.
“Economic zones in Mactan and Baguio City will begin using the system in the next few weeks with the scanners recently deployed,” Plaza said.