Stiffer penalties sought versus red tape

A lawmaker wants to impose stricter penalties on individuals and offices hampering the growth of startups and businesses in the country.

In a statement, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said reforms to overhaul stifling bureaucratic processes have long been overdue. “We are studying criminal and administrative penalties ranging from imprisonment to perpetual disqualification from public office, and, from suspension to dismissal from government service, respectively.”

He added, “We try to grow our economy and drum up marketing promotions for our products abroad. However, internal weaknesses have made the bureaucracy lethargic. Antiquated rules, regulations and laws constrict business activities. We shall simplify and streamline as much as possible.”

Zubiri, who chairs the Senate committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, is seeking to craft a law on Ease of Doing Business, which seeks, among others, to streamline the processes involved in the issuance of license and permits for all business types.

The envisioned law also seeks to put flesh to the government’s Project Repeal. This initiative targets to repeal or amend department issuances that were identified as outdated, redundant or contradictory.