Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez has issued a final warning to government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and offices that continue to ignore their responsibilities under the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law.
“Let me now speak clearly and without reservations. To those who continue to delay or deny the urgency of reform, this is our final warning… bawal ang tamad, makupad sa pamahalaan. Walang puwang ang mababagal at mga sagabal sa serbisyo publiko,” Perez said during the 7th State of the ARTA Address held at The Manila Hotel.
He emphasized that ARTA will not hesitate to name and file cases against individuals or offices that obstruct reforms and improvements. “To stand in the way of reform is to stand in the way of the Filipino people,” he added.
Perez also announced that ARTA is strengthening its enforcement operations and launched the Philippine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reform Guidebook, which outlines 10 key reform areas including business registration, permits, trade, and insolvency. The guidebook aims to eliminate red tape, fixers, and inefficiencies in government services.
“This guidebook is a concrete response to our weaknesses,” said Perez. “It will help agencies streamline processes, eliminate fixers, and comply with the President’s vision of a digital and citizen-centered bureaucracy.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros also spoke at the event, commending ARTA’s efforts while stressing the importance of ethical and inclusive governance.
“Public service should never feel like a privilege to be begged for, it should be the default, it is the government’s duty to provide nothing less than the best,” Hontiveros said. “We must remind ourselves, ang tunay na pinaglilingkuran ng bawat kawani ng gobyerno ay ang taong bayan.”
Perez confirmed he submitted his courtesy resignation, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials to allow for a possible leadership “recalibration” after the midterm elections.
“Following the directive, I submitted my resignation, but until a directive is issued or a replacement is named, I will continue to serve,” Perez said.