The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is preparing administrative cases against 131 local government units (LGUs) for failing to comply with the government’s directive to implement digital business permit systems, ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez announced Tuesday.
The cases stem from non-compliance with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) requirement under the Ease of Doing Business Law. Despite two rounds of notices sent to 431 LGUs, 134 failed to respond—violating ethical standards for public officials, Perez said.
“Public officials are liable if they fail to respond to official queries or complaints within 15 working days,” Perez noted.
“We have a legal basis to proceed, and we’re not afraid to file these cases,” he added.
The cases will be forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman, which will determine the appropriate penalties.
The announcement comes as the government marks Ease of Doing Business Month, declared under Proclamation No. 818, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 4.
Of the country’s 1,642 LGUs, only 115 have been fully compliant with e-BOSS, while 1,203 are partially automated. Perez noted that fast-tracked processes in cities like Valenzuela and Malabon now allow business permits to be issued in just five to ten minutes.
He added that under Executive Order No. 32, streamlining efforts have cut telecommunications permit processing times from 300 days to just 59. This has resulted in a 62% increase in permits issued and faster internet speeds nationwide.
ARTA is also set to launch an AI-powered Electronic Complaints Management System this year, which will enable 24/7 public grievance filing and monitoring.
“This is all part of our push to make the Philippines truly business-ready,” Perez said.
“When we remove bureaucratic barriers, we unlock more opportunities for investment and livelihood,” he added.
