The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has released the updated list of the Top 10 Most Complained National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for 2025, based on complaints recorded from 1 January to 31 October 2025. These entries came through ARTA’s official channels, including email, social media, the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), physical mail, the electronic Complaints Management System (eCMS), and the ARTA website.
ARTA clarified that media reports earlier this week referenced an outdated list submitted to the Senate covering data only until 31 August 2025. The newly released numbers provide the most complete and updated snapshot of government service complaints to date.
The majority of violations fall under Section 21(e) of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which prohibits agencies from failing to act on applications or requests within the prescribed processing time.
National government agencies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains the most complained-about agency, receiving 599 complaints. ARTA’s assessment shows that 412 were outside its jurisdiction and referred to the appropriate offices, while 187 were considered ARTAble—mostly involving delays or inaction. Of these, 570 cases have been resolved, leaving 29 active.
Following the FDA is the Land Transportation Office (LTO) with 414 complaints, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) with 336. Completing the Top 10 are:
• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – 205 complaints, 3 active
• Land Registration Authority (LRA) – 193 complaints, 4 active
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 140 complaints
• Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) – 128 complaints
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – 82 complaints
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – 73 complaints
• Bureau of Customs (BOC) – 63 complaints
Government-owned and -controlled corporations
Among GOCCs, the Social Security System (SSS) tops the list with 263 complaints—mostly related to delayed service delivery. The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) follows with 118 complaints, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) places third with 34.
Others on the list include:
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – 33 complaints
• Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) – 32
• Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) – 25
• National Housing Authority (NHA) – 21
• Land Bank of the Philippines – 18
• Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) – 10
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) – 9
ARTA notes that NGA data reflect nationwide complaints, while GOCC data reflect those received within the National Capital Region (NCR).
Complaint statistics
Since 2018, ARTA has received 31,936 complaints. As of 31 October 2025, 31,679—or 91.99 percent—have been resolved, while only 257 remain active. ARTA said this closure rate demonstrates its commitment to act swiftly on reports of inefficiency and delay.
The agency emphasized that the rankings are not indicators of incompetence. Rather, they reflect the volume of complaints received and the agency’s verification process to ensure that citizens’ concerns are addressed. Figures may shift over time as cases are resolved or endorsed to other agencies.
Transforming red tape into red carpet
ARTA said the list should be seen as a guidepost—not a verdict. The numbers highlight areas needing improvement, while showing that citizens are actively using formal complaint channels. Red tape, the agency stressed, is not merely an inconvenience but a systemic barrier that creates opportunities for corruption, delays progress, and erodes public trust.
To address this, ARTA pledged continued support to highly complained agencies through training, process streamlining, digitalization, and strengthened complaint-handling mechanisms.
The agency urged all NGAs and GOCCs to double down on improving frontline services. Transforming red tape into red carpet, it said, goes beyond legal compliance; it is about providing dignified, efficient, and people-centered service.
Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas vision and a whole-of-government approach, ARTA said it remains committed to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and integrity across public transactions so Filipinos can experience a more responsive and accountable government.
