Bravofilipino | ARTA Remains Focused on Strengthening Business Climate Amid Challenges — DG Perez | QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Despite ongoing allegations of corruption involving various sectors in government, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the country’s business environment, Director General Secretary Ernesto V. Perez affirmed during the 2025 Year-End Media Conference held on Friday, November 21.
Perez shared that the annual gathering also serves as an expression of gratitude to media practitioners for their continuous support to ARTA’s reform initiatives. He highlighted the Filipino spirit—“fun-loving, honest, and grounded in transparency and accountability”—as an enduring force that inspires the Authority to continue its mandate.
“This event gives ARTA the opportunity to present its accomplishments throughout the year,” Perez said. “We are all united in this journey so we can collectively reach our development goals.”
Streamlining Government Transactions
Perez emphasized that ARTA has been diligently implementing the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to digitalize and simplify government processes, transforming “red tape into a red carpet” for businesses and the public.
He noted that enabling entrepreneurs with efficient, predictable, and timely government transactions will encourage the establishment of more businesses and generate employment.
“Transactions must be simple, timely, punctual, and decisive — yet flexible when necessary,” he said, adding that Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, remains a “game changer.”
He further underscored the need for a mindset shift in the bureaucracy: “Government employees must understand that they exist to serve the people and to help promote business growth—alongside protecting the environment.”
According to Perez, a flourishing business landscape leaves little room for criminal activity, making the Authority’s work even more essential.
Compliance, Enforcement, and Partnerships
Perez stressed that ARTA’s mandate includes enabling partner agencies to comply with RA 11032 while holding accountable those who repeatedly violate its provisions.
He highlighted President Marcos’ signing of Proclamation No. 818, declaring May of every year as Ease of Doing Business Month, solidifying the administration’s commitment to business reforms.
In line with its whole-of-government approach, ARTA has strengthened cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman under Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla through a Memorandum of Agreement to expedite the filing of appropriate cases.
Perez reported that 99% of complaints received by ARTA have been resolved, with only 1% advancing to formal cases before the Ombudsman or Civil Service Commission.
ARTA has also recommended to Congress the direct filing of applicable cases before the Sandiganbayan.
The Authority continues to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on matters involving local government units, and collaborates with the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies to fully implement its mandate.
Through the Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0, ARTA recognized 59 out of 904 surveyed agencies for their compliance with RA 11032.
Private Sector Engagements
Perez highlighted ARTA’s strengthened partnerships with private sector groups, including the high-value semiconductor industry—one of the country’s major dollar earners and job generators.
“As of November 2025, ARTA has 83 partners and champions across government agencies, educational institutions, embassies, and private organizations,” he said.
He also assured that complainants face no reprisals when filing concerns with ARTA.
Business-Readiness and Digital Transformation
Perez reaffirmed ARTA’s commitment to building a Business-Ready Philippines, fostering an environment conducive to investment and enterprise growth.
As an archipelagic nation of over 7,000 islands, Perez said, the Philippines is well-positioned to harness its globally recognized seafarers and mariners as key drivers of economic activity.
He noted that the country ranked 16th out of 50 economies in the pilot implementation of the World Bank’s Business Ready Report, placing the Philippines in the top 40%.
Digitalization remains at the core of ARTA’s reforms, with major initiatives including:
Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS)
Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management System (ARTEMIS)
Talk to TALA, a multilingual AI assistant supporting 13 local dialects
e-BOSS (Electronic Business One-Stop Shop) now used by 134 LGUs
eBOSS on the Ground, which improved registration and tax collection efficiency—Baliwag, Bulacan recorded transaction times of 3.63 minutes
eGov Super App, launched by President Marcos to integrate government services
Perez also cited ARTA’s study of global best practices, such as Israel’s water management model, which inspired a proposed joint memorandum with the Philippine water sector.
Towards a More Efficient Government
Perez concluded by reaffirming ARTA’s mission to fully implement the Ease of Doing Business law and ensure efficient, responsive, and citizen-centered public service through innovation and digital transformation.
