ARTA set to issue streamlining rules by June 10

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said it is confident it will complete the guidelines to implement Executive Order 59 (EO 59), which simplifies the approval process for flagship programs, by the June deadline.

“By June 10… we should be able to finalize the implementing guidelines for approval by the heads of agencies concerned and for submission to the President,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez said at a briefing on Monday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued EO 59 “to fast track the permitting process. And not only streamlining the process, but even to use the digital platforms,” Mr. Perez said.

The President has ordered the National Economic and Development Authority’s Board Committee on Infrastructure, ARTA, and the interior and local government department to oversee the implementation.

“We hope to follow (the business permit one-stop shop model) in terms of big-ticket infrastructure projects,” he added.

EO 59 also ordered a review of agencies’ citizens’ charters “to remove redundant and burdensome procedures and requirements” and ensure the accessibility of the revised procedures.

Mr. Perez said ARTA is consulting with various government departments to finalize the draft.

“What we’re doing is we’re meeting with concerned government agencies regularly, at least once a week, if not twice a week, to be able to meet the deadline,” he added.

“We are optimistic that we should be able to meet the deadline of June 10,” he said.

The private sector advisory council has also offered to aid in the drafting of the implementing guidelines. — Adrian H. Halili