The 6 Key Reforms from the Ease of Doing Business Act in the Philippines

The Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11032) aims to cut red tape and make starting and operating a business in the country easier. 

Here are the 6 key reforms from the legislation:

Expedited Business Permits and Licenses

The law aims to make business registration and permit renewals quicker and easier.

• Unified Application Form: Consolidates all requirements and documentation into a single form.
• Preliminary Evaluation: Allows applicants to correct deficiencies before submitting application. 
• Fewer Transactions: Issues all related clearances concurrently with business permit. 
• One-Stop-Shop:  Houses all agencies engaged in starting a business in one facility (treasury, business, licensing, etc.).

Deadlines for Government Transactions

All government agencies must complete transactions within the following:

• Simple Transactions: Requiring only standard ministerial action – 3 business days
• Complex Transactions: Requiring resolution of complicated issues – 7 business days
• Highly Technical Transactions: Requiring highly technical knowledge – 20 business days

NOTE: Applications will be automatically approved if the agency fails to process  transactions within timeframe. 

Online Registration for Businesses

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will create an online Central Business Portal where all business permits, licensing, authorizations and etc. can be completed. 

Anti-Corruption Policy

Zero-contact policy between business applicants and government employees. Applicants will be identified by case number and deal with government functionaries anonymously.

Creation of a Citizen’s Charter

National Goverment Agencies (NGAs) and Local Goverment Units (LGUs) will create a Citizen’s Charter.

The Citizen’s Charter will outline the following:

• Complete checklist of requirements for each application or request
• Steps to obtain a particular service
• Person responsible for each step
• Maximum time to complete a request
• Documents required
• Fees required
• Procedure for filing complaints

Accountability

Administrative and criminal liability to officials and employees acting improperly. Violations include:

• refusal to accept an application
• imposition of requirements or fees not listed in the Citizen’s Charter
• collusion with fixers
• missed deadlines

Administrative penalties will apply to first offenses while second offenses will result in criminal liability. 

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is responsible for enforcing the Ease of Doing Business Act in the Philippines.