Republic Act 11032: The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018

Republic Act No. 11032, officially known as the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018," is a landmark legislation in the Philippines that significantly amended the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.1 Enacted on May 28, 2018, and becoming effective on June 17, 2018, this Act is a cornerstone of the Philippine government's efforts to improve the business environment and enhance the efficiency of government service delivery.2

The primary purpose of RA 11032 is to streamline government transactions for both business and non-business related purposes.3 It aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape, eliminate corruption, and ultimately create a more favorable climate for both local and foreign investors, as well as improve the overall experience of citizens when transacting with government agencies.4

Key provisions and features of Republic Act 11032 include:

• Prescribed Processing Times: The Act sets specific maximum processing times for government transactions:5

• Simple transactions: Must be completed within three (3) working days.
• Complex transactions: Must be completed within seven (7) working days.
• Highly technical transactions or those involving activities that pose a danger to public health, safety, morals, public policy, and environment: Must be completed within twenty (20) working days.6 These timeframes exclude the मेयर of the application or request.

• Citizen's Charter: All government agencies are required to adopt and7
  prominently display their Citizen's Charter. This document should provide
  detailed information about the services offered, including a comprehensive
  checklist of requirements, the step-by-step procedure, the person
  responsible for each step, the maximum processing time, the fees, and
  mechanisms for feedback and complaints.
• Zero Contact Policy: The Act promotes a "Zero Contact Policy,"8
  limiting face-to-face interaction between applicants or requesting parties9
  and government officers or employees during the processing of transactions,
  except during the preliminary assessment or when strictly necessary. This
  measure aims to minimize opportunities for corruption.
• Creation of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA): RA 11032
  established the ARTA as the primary government agency
  responsible for the national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing
  business. ARTA is mandated to monitor and10
  ensure compliance of government agencies,
  implement reform initiatives, and investigate
  violations of the Act.
• Automated Business Permitting and Licensing Systems: The Act
  mandates LGUs to automate their business permitting and licensing systems11
  to create a single business permit application form and establish a Business12
  One-Stop Shop (BOSS) to facilitate faster processing.13
• Central Business Portal and Philippine Business Databank: The Act
  directs the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
  to establish a Central Business Portal for online business registration
  and a Philippine Business Databank to serve as a central repository of
  business information accessible to government agencies.
• Accountability and Penalties: The Act outlines administrative and
  criminal liabilities for government officials and employees who violate its
  provisions, including prescribed processing times and the anti-red tape14
  regulations. Penalties range from suspension to dismissal from service,15
  fines, and imprisonment.

In essence, Republic Act 11032 is a comprehensive reform measure designed to cut down on bureaucratic delays and complexities that have long been aimpediment to efficient governance and business growth in the Philippines. By setting clear standards, promoting transparency, leveraging technology, and imposing stricter accountability, the Act aims to create a more efficient,16

transparent, and corruption-free environment for all those who interact with government services.