ARTA targets 120 LGUs for full permit automation

MANILA, Philippines —  The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is helping 120 local government units (LGUs) to fully automate their business permits processing this year.

In a media conference, ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez said the agency aims to help the LGUs become fully compliant to the electronic-business one-stop shop (eBOSS) requirement under the Ease of Doing Business law.

“Those 120 LGUs that we will target this year are those reported to have not yet automated the process,” he said.

Data showed 633 out of over 1,600 LGUs have implemented the eBOSS.

Perez said there are 26 LGUs that have been certified to be fully compliant with the eBOSS requirement.

To be considered fully compliant with the eBOSS, he said the process should be fully automated from the filing of application and submission of requirements, processing, payment of fees until the issuance of the business permit.

Having LGUs implement an eBOSS is seen important for the faster release of business permits.

Perez said the ARTA’s target is to have business permits released within 10 minutes this year.

The time it takes to issue business permits varies depending on the LGU.

With the government aiming for the Philippines to become the second highest country attracting foreign direct investments in Southeast Asia by 2028, Perez said streamlining the process for business permits is expected to play a crucial role.

Based on his meeting with business groups, he said investors are interested to invest in the Philippines.

“So, instead of making it difficult for them to engage with the Philippines, we will give them the red carpet,” he said.