The success of the Philippines’ landmark Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law hinges on a profound cultural and operational shift within government, according to Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.
Speaking at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) High-level Symposium in Paris, France, on November 19, 2025, Secretary Perez stressed that government regulators must actively champion public-private collaboration and view businesses as essential partners in national development.
During Session 12, titled “Lasting Impact Through Effective Burden Reduction and Simplification,” Perez stated: “To implement it, it requires a change in the mindset of regulators. Consider the people, private businesses as collaborators, cooperators; not conflicting, not enemies.”
Secretary Perez elaborated that while the fundamental duty of regulation—protecting people and the environment—remains paramount, this mandate must be consciously balanced with the need to foster robust economic activity. He argued that promoting business growth is an inherent part of the modern regulatory purpose.
He linked this regulatory evolution directly to the Philippines’ aspiration of achieving upper-middle-income status. For a developing economy, he noted, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and enabling local enterprises to thrive are non-negotiable requirements for effective poverty alleviation.
“We need investors to come in. We need businesses to thrive so that we can propel the economy that will provide more business and livelihood opportunities for our people,” Perez emphasized. “In this way, we encourage business and at the same time provide livelihood and business opportunities that will improve the status of living of our people.”
Secretary Perez joined global policy leaders at the symposium on “Smart rules, stronger business,” which focused on how administrative burdens can be reduced to create lasting positive economic impacts. As ARTA head, he is spearheading the Marcos Jr. administration’s aggressive push to streamline government processes and digitize bureaucratic requirements, a key effort under the national Bagong Pilipinas initiative to transform the country’s investment climate.
