DTI, DILG, DICT sign circular to cut red tape
Three government agencies Tuesday signed a joint circular to reduce the time it takes to set up a business and secure permits, in a bid to make the Philippines a more attractive and competitive investment destination.
Under the circular signed by the top officials of the Departments of Trade and Industry, Interior and Local Government, and Information and Communications Technology, local government units are directed to streamline business permits and licensing systems (BPLS) to cut the processing time to two days for new business registration and one day for renewals. Today, the registration process takes about five days.
The number of steps to register will also be cut to just three for both new applicants and renewals from the current five.
All LGUs were also directed to use the same form, both in print and electronic form, with only two signatories (mayor and treasurer or BPL head with alternate approving signatories) required for business permits.
Once all processes are streamlined, the circular also recommended that LGUs automate and computerize business transactions to further improve frontline services.
“Streamlining is one of the (economic reforms) under President Duterte’s 10-point economic agenda. We are hopeful of cooperation from all mayors. Part also of this circular is to integrate barangay clearances at the municipality and city level to further ease the burden faced by our entrepreneurs,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
As for automation, DICT Undersecretary Jorge Sarmiento said the agency, in the next few months, would “develop and make available computer application software to automate local government processes as part of its mandate.”
“The DICT is piloting a web-based computer application called the electronic business permit and licensing system in Tanay, Rizal—a system that automates the process of recording, assessment and issuance of business permits. Under the joint memorandum circular, the DICT will make the system available to LGUs in coordination with DILG, DTI, and the National Competitiveness Council,” he said.
Sarmiento was close to completing the pilot tests in Rizal, but declined to say how fast the agency will be able to roll out this platform.
DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno, for his part, said this circular would enable the country to attract more investors, particularly in Mindanao.
