The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has declared 2025 a landmark year in its mission to streamline government processes, showcasing a series of digital initiatives, strategic partnerships, and enforcement victories that are transforming bureaucratic “red tape” into a “red carpet” for businesses and citizens.
In a comprehensive media conference, ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto V. Perez presented the agency’s key accomplishments, emphasizing a whole-of-nation approach to foster a more business-friendly and competitive Philippines.
From Red Tape to Red Carpet: A National Shift
Secretary Perez opened his address by framing ARTA’s work as a source of positivity and a direct response to the President’s vision of a “New Philippines.”
“We are all in this together,” Perez stated, using a maritime analogy. “If something happens on the ship, we are all in this together. Let’s not sink, but let’s continue to reach our destination.”
He announced the successful inauguration of the first-ever “Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month” every May, following a presidential proclamation. The month featured events like a fun run and regional summits where agencies like the LTO and PSA provided services in malls, bringing government closer to the people. “We received many thanks from our countrymen,” Perez said, pledging to expand the activity in 2026.
Strengthening the Arm of the Law
A significant breakthrough, according to Perez, is the strengthened partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman. A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding aims to eliminate duplicative investigations, ensuring cases against red tape are resolved faster.
“Our findings and recommendations are just recommendations. So the Ombudsman will conduct another investigation… another layer of delay, another red tape,” Perez explained. “Now, the Ombudsman is open to respecting our findings so that cases will be acted upon more expeditiously.”
He also revealed ARTA’s impressive 99% success rate in handling complaints and its ongoing push for a law amendment to empower ARTA to file cases directly with the courts, bypassing further bureaucratic layers.
Digital Revolution for Efficient Public Service
Secretary Perez heavily emphasized the digitalization of government services as a core strategy. He highlighted the eGov Super App, the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), and the new Electronic Complaints Management System (ECMS).
“Using the digital platform, it’s so easy,” he noted, pointing to the success of eBOSS in 130 LGUs, which has led to a surge in business registrations and local revenue. He also introduced “Tara,” ARTA’s 24/7 AI-powered virtual assistant, capable of understanding 13 dialects. “Tara can understand 13 dialects… She will respond to you in Filipino and English.”
Global Vote of Confidence and Room for Improvement
Despite negative headlines, Perez reported strong and sustained confidence from international investors. He shared that ambassadors from Nordic countries and trade representatives from the U.S. have expressed strong interest in expanding investments in sectors like shipbuilding, semiconductors, and logistics.
“They believe in the Philippines,” Perez asserted. “They have businesses here that have been in existence for years, sometimes 100 years already… They have even plans of expanding.”
This optimism is tempered by the recent World Bank Business Ready Report, where the Philippines ranked a strong 16th in regulatory framework but lagged in public service implementation. In response, ARTA has launched a “Reform Guidebook” to systematically address these weaknesses and improve the country’s global standing.
A Clear Mandate for the Future
In closing, Secretary Perez reaffirmed ARTA’s unwavering commitment to its mandate. He stressed that efficient service is not just about convenience but is fundamentally linked to national progress and citizen well-being.
“By… promoting business, we provide that business in a big environment that will attract more investors… so that we can provide more business and livelihood opportunities for our people,” he said. “If we are able to provide that… we will be able to raise the standards of living of our fellow Filipinos.”
With its blend of enforcement, collaboration, and digital innovation, ARTA under Secretary Perez’s leadership is positioning the Philippines as a nation ready to roll out the red carpet for progress.#
