The Civil Service Commission (CSC) organized the first Anti-Red Tape (ART) Summit on 25 October 2023 at the CSC Central Office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

The event was designed for those responsible for implementing Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” (EODB EGSD).

Focused on the theme “One CSC, One Government Against Red Tape,” the ART Summit sought to fortify the dedication of government agencies in enforcing R.A. 11032 and explore opportunities for collaboration. It also emphasized the important roles of the Anti-Red Tape Division (ARTD) at the CSC Central Office (CO) and the Anti-Red Tape Units (ARTUs) in CSC Regional Offices (ROs) in implementing the EODB EGSD law.

“With this Summit, we aim to harmonize the internal strategic goals of the CSC’s ARTD and ARTUs, ensuring their alignment with the overall thrust and direction of the Commission. And through this process, we hope to deepen our collective understanding of the fundamental principles and the finer nuances of the EODB EGSD Act,” said CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles.

The Summit was also graced by CSC Commissioners Aileen Lourdes A. Lazada and Ryan Alvin R. Acosta, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto V. Perez, ARTA Deputy Director General for Legal Geneses R. Abot, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco.

Moreover, Acting Assistant Commissioners Judith Dongallo-Chicano, Nerissa B. Canguilan, and Karin Litz P. Zerna of the CSC, alongside various directors from the CSC CO and ROs attended the event. Additionally, guest speakers from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Government Service Insurance System, and the Supreme Court of the Philippines were also in attendance.

In his message of support, ARTA Director General Perez conveyed the importance of the ART Summit in implementing R.A. 11032.

“Indeed, this Summit comes at a right time as we join in our battle against red tape, knowing that bureaucratic red tape is a major hindrance to economic growth and development. This event is a significant opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to fighting red tape and improving the efficiency of government service delivery in the country,” he said.

In reaffirming its dedication to enforce the mentioned law, the CSC conducted a ceremonial toast presided over by CSC Commissioner Lizada, alongside CSC Chairperson Nograles, ARTA Director General Perez, and other officials representing the CSC, ARTA, and DTI.

“Let us raise our glasses to the progress we have made and to the countless successes that lie ahead. May our commitment to providing efficient government services and eliminating red tape remain steadfast. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our nation. Cheers to a more efficient government. Cheers to public service,” exclaimed CSC Commissioner Lizada.

In a panel discussion, CSC Assistant Commissioner for Legal Ariel G. Ronquillo, ARTA Deputy Director General for Legal Abot, and DTI Assistant Secretary Pacheco discussed the interwoven roles and functions of various implementing agencies of the EODB EGSD law under a whole-of-government approach.

An integral component of the program was the discussion of the delineation of roles of ARTD and ARTUs, which was presented by CSC Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo.

Meanwhile, ARTA Deputy Director General Abot outlined the key thrusts of the agency as the chief implementer of the R.A. 11032. He likewise delivered updates on relevant ARTA issuances, such as the Guidelines and Supplemental Guidelines on the Implementation of the Citizen’s Charter, Formation of Committee on Anti-Red Tape in covered agencies, Zero Backlog Report, and National Policy on Regulatory Management System, among others.

On the other hand, Director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata of the Public Assistance and Information Office explained the steps taken by the CSC during its shift from being the main implementing agency for R.A. 9485 (the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2017) to its new responsibilities under R.A. 11032. This session also served as an official introduction for the ARTUs that have recently started operating in the CSC ROs.

As another key implementer of R.A. 11032, DICT Supervising Director Dennis E. Morales shared updates on the pending eGovernance bill and the eGovernment priority projects such as the eGov PH application, eLGU, eTravel, eGovPay, and eReport.

The Summit also featured three concurrent sessions on the critical provisions of the law and pertinent information for the 155 attendees composed of the CSC’s ARTD and ARTU action officers, support personnel, and representatives from the CSC and other agencies, respectively.

On 31 August 2023, the CSC and ARTA signed a Memorandum of Agreement ensuring the effective implementation of R.A. 11032 in Diliman, Quezon City. The ART Summit was an offshoot of the said agreement.