Digitalization and Public-Private Partnerships Lead the Push for a More Business-Friendly Economy

Makati City, Philippines – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is taking bold steps to enhance the ease of doing business and improve government service delivery in the Philippines through digitalization, regulatory reforms, and stronger public-private partnerships. This commitment was emphasized at a luncheon meeting organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), where industry leaders and government officials gathered to discuss strategies for cutting bureaucratic inefficiencies and driving economic growth.

In his keynote address, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez underscored the importance of collective effort in streamlining bureaucratic processes and creating a business-friendly environment.

“The easier it is to do business, the stronger our economy becomes,” Perez stated, highlighting that ARTA is working closely with various regulatory agencies to eliminate unnecessary barriers across crucial sectors such as telecommunications, energy, logistics, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. For 2025, the agency is aiming to focus on enhancing the water, health, shipbuilding, semiconductor, and migrant workers industries.

He also stressed that meaningful reforms require the private sector’s active participation.

“We need the active participation of the private sector to sustain a culture of integrity,” he added. “By listening to industry stakeholders and actively addressing concerns, we can remove obstacles, reduce turnaround times, and ensure that government services align with the fast-paced demands of modern commerce.”

Driving Digitalization and Efficiency

A major win in ARTA’s reform efforts is the implementation of Executive Order No. 32, which has resulted in a 48% increase in permits approved by local government units (LGUs).

To further enhance efficiency at the local level, ARTA launched the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS)—a platform designed to simplify business registration, licensing, and permit issuance. As of 2024, 113 LGUs have fully adopted eBOSS, reducing processing times, boosting business registrations, and increasing local revenue collection.

“Those local government units that have been able to set up and operationalize our Electronic Business One-Stop Shop resulted in a substantial increase in their number of business registration as well as revenue collection,” cited Secretary Perez. “These findings emphasize the important role of ARTA in continuously monitoring and assisting local government units in adopting best practices for improved public service delivery.”

Beyond eBOSS, ARTA has also developed groundbreaking digital tools that empower businesses by providing easy access to regulatory requirements:

• The Proposed and Existing Regulations Information System (PBRIS) – A centralized platform that allows stakeholders to find, track, and understand government regulations, eliminating uncertainty and delays.
• The Automated Regulation Tracking and Monitoring Information System (ARTEMIS) – A digital tool that helps businesses track regulatory changes in real-time, improving transparency and predictability.

Since the rollout of PBRIS, 33 government agencies have been trained in using the system, ensuring more efficient regulatory compliance for businesses.

What’s Next: Streamlining Complaints and Enhancing Service Efficiency

Looking ahead to 2025, ARTA is set to roll out two new digital solutions aimed at improving service delivery:

• The Electronic Complaints Management System (ECMS) – An AI-powered platform that will enable businesses and individuals to file and track complaints related to red tape.
• The E-Sublime Business Portal – A digital hub that will further reduce processing times and improve service efficiency.

Beta testing for ECMS has already concluded, and the system is expected to go live within the year.

Throughout the meeting, Secretary Perez highlighted the importance of strong public-private collaboration in making these digital innovations a success.

“The partnership between ARTA and ECCP marks a significant step in advancing regulatory reforms to enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines,” he said.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

On behalf of ECCP, Vice President Dr. Diana Edralin reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting ARTA’s mission, emphasizing the growing strength of their partnership.

“Following the ceremonial signing of the ARTA-ECCP memorandum of understanding in February of last year, our partnership with ARTA has grown even stronger,” said Edralin. “Together, we aim to drive meaningful reforms in regulatory processes, reinforcing our shared vision for a more business-friendly environment here in the Philippines.”

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February 2024, ECCP continues to play a crucial role in assisting ARTA by reporting instances of red tape and advocating for necessary reforms. The Chamber has been actively involved in high-level discussions, including the ARTA-World Bank Business-Ready Forum and ARTA’s Economic and Ease of Doing Business Forum.

A Future-Ready Business Landscape

As ARTA continues to push for bold regulatory reforms, the key takeaways are clear:

• Faster, more efficient processes will remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and open new opportunities for businesses.
• Public-private collaboration remains essential in sustaining meaningful, long-term reforms.
• Digital transformation will modernize the Philippine business landscape, making the country more attractive to investors.

With these initiatives in place, the Philippines is well-positioned to become a premier business hub in the region.