The Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said a joint memorandum circular (JMC) aiming to streamline permitting process in the mineral sector is in the final stages, while a draft executive order to streamline permitting process in the utilities sector has already been submitted to the Office of the President for approval.

Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, ARTA director-general, in his 8th State of the ARTA Address, where he outlined some of the progress made by the agency since its establishment and in its effort to fight bureaucratic red tape. This year’s 8th Anniversary of ARTA carries the theme: Elevate Trust: Transparency and Accountability for a Bagong Pilipinas.

Perez said that the proposed JMC in the mineral exploration sector seeks to reduce the permitting process from 1,096 days to 55 days or a 94.98 percent reduction, through a redesigned process where certain procedures may proceed simultaneously.

Additionally, ARTA has submitted the proposed Executive Order on Water for final comments and approval from the Office of the President. The proposed EO will streamline the permitting process for the construction, repair, and maintenance of water supply and wastewater systems.

It also addresses the restoration and rehabilitation of affected road pavements and sidewalks along national, local, and private roads.

In the pipeline are efforts to streamline Net-Metering and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

In the housing sector, ARTA likewise continues to support efforts to streamline permitting and documentary requirements that affect housing and development projects.

“Through these reforms, ARTA, and its partners are helping create a more predictable environment for lifeline utilities — one that reaches homes, classrooms, hospitals, factories, and communities,” said Perez.

ARTA has been pushing for full digitalization as an effective tool to reduce red tape in government. “Through full digitalization, ARTA can more effectively implement the Zero Contact Policy by
reducing face-to-face transactions, limiting discretion, and creating clear digital trails,” he said.

Secretary Perez said that in highly digitalized systems such as the U. S. Internal Revenue Service, taxpayers can file, pay, access accounts, view records, and manage payment plans online — while still keeping in-person assistance available for those who need it.

“The lesson is clear: digitalization is not only about convenience; it is about integrity, transparency, and trust,” he said.

He reiterated a candid reminder by President Marcos Jr. to ARTA that “It’s the bureaucracy that gets in the way” for people to invest in the country. “Just make it easier for people to come and should they decide to invest in the Philippines, then make it easy for them,” the President told ARTA.