The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) cited the Philippine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reform Guidebook of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), stating that the country’s first step-by-step Regulatory Guidebook is a practical, strategic roadmap designed to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.
Starting with business registration, the Guidebook addresses overlapping mandates among government agencies, underscoring a strong commitment to regulatory coherence and inter-agency collaboration.
More than a reform tool, MAP said the Guidebook marks a transformative shift in how government delivers public services. Its goals extend beyond streamlining processes: it seeks to attract investments, spur job creation — particularly in emerging technology sectors — and elevate the overall quality of service delivery for all.
At the heart of the Guidebook is the Regulatory Management System (RMS), grounded in ten guiding principles: clarity, benefit-cost analysis, stakeholder engagement, a whole-of-government approach, competition, legal and empirical grounding, continuous assessment, coherence, ongoing evaluation, and risk management.
Early outcomes are encouraging: permitting for telecommunications infrastructure has accelerated, regulatory impact assessments (RIA) have improved, and stakeholder engagement has deepened through platforms like the Philippine Business Regulation Information System (PBRIS). Capacity-building efforts are underway across all levels of government.
Agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), are adopting more participatory, bottom-up approaches — aligning with international standards set by organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
“The MAP is proud to support ARTA in advancing this vital reform agenda. The Guidebook is more than a procedural manual — it stands as a testament to a responsive, forward-looking public sector and serves as a cornerstone for building a more competitive, inclusive, and service-oriented Philippines,” said MAP President Alfredo S. Panlilio.
