ARTA to crack down on politicians

MANILA, Philippines — With the national elections just over a year away, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) warned politicians to refrain from putting their names and faces on public documents to gain mileage.

ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica issued the warning after receiving complaints that some government officials are having their names and faces imprinted on documents such as permits and licenses.

He warned officials to stop this practice as he has ordered ARTA field officers to conduct surprise inspections of government agencies.

“Politicians have long since taken advantage of this system wherein the head of agency or local government unit usually places the former’s name and picture as indirect advertising or a way to make it appear that the people owe a favor to them,” he said.

Belgica reminded politicians that there is an anti-epal provision under the 2021 national budget that prohibits them from using government projects to their advantage.

He urged the public to take photographs and videos of poor service by any government agency.