Representing the Philippines on the global stage, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez joined international heads of state and ministers at the 2026 World Governments Summit (WGS) held from February 3 to 5 at Madinat Jumeirah.
Under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” Secretary Perez participated in high-level roundtable discussions focused on leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize public service and eliminate institutional bottlenecks.
During the roundtable, Secretary Perez emphasized that government influence is rooted in predictability and the reduction of uncertainty for citizens and investors alike. “Simplicity is justice, clarity is dignity, and speed—paired with integrity—is respect,” Secretary Perez stated. “Our mandate is straightforward and measurable: cut red tape, improve service delivery, and deliver results that restore confidence in government.”
He highlighted the Philippines’ progress under Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Law), citing the nationwide rollout of the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) and the success of Program NEHEMIA in streamlining critical sectors like telecommunications and mining.
Secretary Perez showcased ARTA’s robust digital ecosystem designed to institutionalize transparency and accountability:
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PBRIS: A central database for all Philippine business regulations.
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ARTEMIS: A sophisticated tool for monitoring agency compliance.
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eCMS powered by TALA: An AI-driven Electronic Complaints Management System (Transparency, Accountability, and Law in Action) designed to simplify complex government navigations.
Looking ahead, the Secretary unveiled plans for AI-powered ARTA Dashboards and Kiosks. These “digital front doors” will provide citizens with precise requirements, timelines, and channels, significantly reducing repeat visits and procedural confusion.
The Philippine delegation, which included DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado, engaged with counterparts from nations such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ghana, and Peru.
Secretary Perez expressed confidence that ARTA’s goals are attainable through the synergy of a dedicated Presidency, a passionate workforce, and strong private-sector support. Moving forward, ARTA will initiate peer-to-peer exchanges and pilot collaborations with international partners to further advance digital service delivery and public administration modernization.
