16 June 2021 – Key figures from the business and media sectors signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Anti-Red Tape Authority as its new ARTA champions on Wednesday.
The Confederation of Filipino Workers, Junior Chamber International, and Out-of-Home Advertising Association of the Philippines joined two esteemed business organizations in serving as ARTA Champions in the business sector.
Meanwhile, The Manila Times and Flash Media also signified their commitment to serving as the agency’s Champions in the media sector.
Under the MOU, ARTA Champions will be authorized to receive complaints from the private sector for violations of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
Select personnel of the said companies will be designated to process complaints. The move is seen to bolster the fight against red tape in the private sector.
Previously, ARTA entered partnerships with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Guild of Real Estate Entrepreneurs and Professionals (GREENPRO) and designated them as ARTA champions.
In his message, Secretary Jeremiah Belgica, ARTA Director General, underscored the importance of collaboration and hope in the Authority’s work.
Belgica said the Authority is not content with just receiving assessment reports from government agencies. He said “self assessment is blind without reflection from the community.”
“We have always been in the forefront of the fight against red tape. We have taken in-depth steps in streamlining and developing more efficient regulatory standards to make doing business in the country easier. We are convinced that we can achieve it, but we are also certain that we will require assistance,” he said.
“We believe that great things are accomplished and burdens are lifted with the effort of many hands actively engaged in a good cause,” he added. “We are called to serve our nation indefinitely. We are always working to make these things a reality in order to alleviate their load and make their lives more comfortable. Our efforts have been multiplied, if not tripled, now that you are on our side.”
He also said that the “big deliverable” of ARTA is to keep hope alive among the Filipino people.
“We have high hopes that ARTA will usher in a new beginning in our country, eradicating the old, outdated way of doing business and releasing Filipinos from the government’s long-standing bureaucracy and red tape. We are here to give Filipinos new hope by reinforcing their faith and ensuring them that we are on their side,” Belgica said.
“Since the train of reform began to roll a few years ago, our goal has always been to address every Filipino’s deep need for a speedy government transaction, so they do not need to suffer through the filthy ancient ways of lining up all day or going back and forth to different good offices,” he added.
The ARTA czar said that in the remaining months of his term, he will continue to lead the agency in creating a momentum in the campaign against government delays and inaction for future administrations.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte also congratulated the Authority for its work in streamlining government services.
“In the past three years, ARTA has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant business environment through collaboration and sound regulatory practices,” Duterte said in a Presidential message that was played during the event.
“I hope that this milestone will inspire you to continue your work of promoting good governance and ease of doing business in the country,” he added.
Amb. Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI president, and GREENPRO trustee and corporate secretary Raoul Creencia also gave their messages of support to the new ARTA Champions.
Yujuico called on the public to not underestimate ARTA’s work as it is a key effort in weeding out ineffective government systems that will lead to the further development of the country.
“We have a very good future, we have all of the elements that will make us a developed country soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Creencia called the Authority’s establishment three years ago as “a long-answered prayer” and “a welcome relief.”
“Thankfully, we now have ARTA. Thankfully, we now have you—an army of public servants committed to combat this inefficiency. An army of public servants committed to eliminating bureaucratic rules that pile up without rhyme or reason,” he said.
“We join you and we hold hands with you in your continued quest to forge ahead and pursue your mandate with fortitude, with passion, with dedication, and without let-up,” he added.
The new batch of ARTA champions pledged to continue the agency’s mission of streamlining and reengineering processes through collaboration, innovation, and sound regulatory practices.
CFW President Gabriel Aranzamendez commended the Authority for its “exemplary efforts and for making strides despite this pandemic in cutting red tape.”
The Manila Times President and CEO Dante Ang said they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ARTA in their common mission to bring about a better Philippines.
The ceremonial MOU and covenant wall signing was done in line with the agency’s celebration of its third anniversary.
The Authority’s anniversary festivities carry the theme “ARTA: Tatlong Taon ng Tren ng Reporma, TARA NA!”
