Anti-Red Tape Authority
Sec. Jeremiah Belgica
I would like to extend my congratulations to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their entrapment and arrest of four vaccination fixers on 25 July 2021.
The suspects, who were allegedly part of a group selling vaccine slots for AstraZeneca for P7,000 each, includes influential persons such as former state witness Mary “Rosebud” Ong and the barangay secretary of Barangay 187 in Pasay City.
This operation is a testament to the government’s commitment to go after the big fishes and not just small-time fixers and criminals.
I would like to issue this challenge to Ms. Mary “Rosebud” Ong: Since you have served as a whistleblower before, you may practice that again today by naming the big game involved in your illegal activities.
To further bolster their anti-fixer operations, I am proposing to the NBI to implement the “snake grab” approach that we are instituting as our official anti-fixer and anti-red tape strategy in the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Fighting red tape, as well as other forms of criminality, can be likened to catching a snake inside a government agency or office. Fixers looming outside the said offices is like seeing the snake’s tail exposed outside, confirming that the body and head is still inside. Instead of waiting for the head to expose itself, we immediately go for the tail so we can get to the head and body.
Our “snake grab” approach consists of a three-point strategy. First, we arrest the fixers outside. Then, we conduct an on-the-spot inspection in the government office. Finally, we serve a show-cause order against the head of the office that could lead to filing of cases against those involved in the processing of licenses, permits, or applications.
Using this approach, we have arrested nearly 20 fixers in two months.
Let the NBI’s operation serve as a warning to fixers, especially those who are taking advantage of our kababayans amid this punishing COVID-19 pandemic: Whoever you are and wherever you may be, the long arm of the law will reach you.
We look forward to our continued partnership with the NBI in our campaign against illegal fixers and other violators of Republic Act No. 11032 of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
Lagi nating tatandaan na sa kahit anumang panahon, lalo na kapag may pandemya, ang red tape ay nakamamatay. (ARTA) – jlo
