In a major move to solidify the country’s pro-business landscape, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez met with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and prominent economic leaders on January 26 to bridge the gap between policy and private sector reality.
The high-level meeting, held at the PCCI Plaza, brought together a “powerhouse” of expertise, including former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and former Finance Secretary (now PSE President) Jose T. Pardo. The discussions centered on a unified strategy to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder both local expansion and foreign direct investment.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the proposal to establish a specialized pool of industry experts. This group will act as a bridge between the government and foreign chambers, ensuring that regulatory solutions are grounded in “on-the-ground” industry experience rather than just administrative theory.
The PCCI leadership, headed by President Ferdinand Ferrer, Chairman Raymund Jude Aguilar, and Chairman Emeritus George Barcelon, identified critical areas where immediate reforms could spark a nationwide ripple effect. Key focus areas include:
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LGU Permit Renewals: Streamlining the often-convoluted local government requirements.
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Redundant Processes: Eliminating overlapping steps between national and local agencies.
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Double Taxation: Resolving fiscal inconsistencies that burden businesses.
Secretary Perez showcased ARTA’s digital transformation, highlighting how the agency is moving beyond manual oversight to automated efficiency. Notable updates included:
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eCMS (Electronic Complaints Management System): Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to process business complaints 24/7.
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eBOSS & PBRIS: Enhancing the digital “One-Stop Shop” and business regulation information systems.
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NEHEMIA Program: Accelerating streamlining for high-impact sectors, specifically mining, energy, telecommunications, and semiconductors. “What’s important here are reforms,” said former SILG Benhur Abalos. “If we keep doing the same things, it’s useless. We need to address reforms, people’s livelihoods, and the economy simultaneously. They all go together.”
The meeting saw broad representation from the private sector, including leaders from PHILEXPORT, ECOP, the Chamber of Mines, and the Philippines-Ease of Doing Business Foundation. All parties emphasized the importance of engaging the President directly to ensure these ease-of-doing-business strategies remain a top national priority.
ARTA remains committed to a “whole-of-government” approach, partnering with the private sector to foster a more competitive, efficient, and investor-friendly Philippines.
