Quezon City government, DTI boost business one-stop shop

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is planning to further streamline business processes by including barangay clearance issuance in its business one-stop shop (BOSS), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Mayor Joy Belmonte discussed the plan recently with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) director general Jeremiah Belgica.

During the meeting, Belmonte also revealed a city government initiative to make Fire Safety Inspection clearance a post-registration requirement.

Belmonte said the city government is committed to further streamlining business processes, particularly for obtaining occupancy permits. The city already features a one-stop shop for construction permits.

Lopez said there is a need to continuously improve the processes for permits and licenses to make it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in the country.

The move to accelerate and further streamline government transactions is in line with President Duterte’s directive.

Signed in May last year, Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act seeks to do away with bureaucratic red tape in government.

In particular, it prescribes the “3-7-20” rule wherein simple transactions would have to be completed within three days, those classified as complex within seven days, and highly technical ones within 20 days.