Technology undeniably benefits society. Mr. Anthony Patrick Chua, Philippines Lead Staff of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC), expounded on the topic entitled “Facilitating the digital led transformation in the Philippines’ – Opportunities and Challenges” which covers the following current legislative measures benefitting the Philippines and the region: (1) Public Service Act; (2) Foreign Investment Act; (3) Retail Trade Liberalization Act; and (4) E-Commerce Roadmap.

Continue reading → Philippines Way Forward to Full Digitalization

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the 8888 Citizens Complaint Center (CCC), under the auspices of the Office of the President, officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), systemizing the public feedback mechanism on stakeholders’ complaints against unresponsive agencies and authorizing the 8888 CCC to file formal complaints against said unresponsive government institutions with ARTA to ensure prompt action and resolution.

Section 21 (e) of the Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, states that “failing to provide government services within the allotted processing time is a violation that is punishable by a six-month suspension for a first offense and a dismissal and permanent disqualification from public service for a second”.

With that, ARTA shall provide errant agencies a warning notice, initiate an investigation, or file necessary proceedings with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Office of the Ombudsman, and other relevant courts.

The MOA signing was led by Executive Secretary and former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez, together with Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra, Strategic Action and Response Office (StaR) Undersecretary Rogelio Peig II, ARTA Undersecretary for Legal Geneses Abot, and 8888 CCC Director IV Bernadette B. Casinabe last 22 February 2023 at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Malacanan, Manila. AGPM

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a boost to PH’s Digital Infrastructure, emphasizing digitalization’s relevance in consistently improving the Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines.

Particularly in streamlining the government’s efforts in processing and issuing permits and licenses to accelerate the development of telecommunication and internet infrastructure in the Philippines. More so, to enhance mobile cellular services and free Wi-Fi across and in remote areas of the country.
Continue reading → PBBM orders boost on PH’s Digital Infrastructure

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) clarify their specific roles in the TradeNet. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) led by Sec. Ernesto V. Perez, together with Undersecretary Dennis P. Villorente of the DICT, Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen M. Napao and Director Angelica I. Sarmiento of the DOF, and representatives from the Bureau of Customs and Presidential Management Staff met on  a meeting last 04 November 2022, the two agencies explained their respective issues on the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).  Continue reading → DOF and DICT clarify specific roles in TradeNet

Nominated to chair the Philippine National Single Window’s (PNSW) Monitoring and Oversight Cluster, the Export Development Council (EDC) shall oversee the coordination of the executive departments and agencies’ participation in and execution of the NSW. The cluster is made up of representatives from various agencies in charge of managing the policies, rules, and standards for approving or granting licenses for the importation and exportation of commodities free from duties and taxes.
Continue reading → EDC chairs the PNSW monitoring and oversight cluster 

Royal Cargo announces IRIS Paoay’s shift of US voyage to intra-Asia service, calling from the Philippines to Thailand and VietNam.

The IRIS Paoay is the first Philippine-flagged ship to sail directly in 30 years, and it has been catering long-haul exports to the US since its maiden voyage on September 23, 2021.

IRIS Logistics made a valorous effort to go long-haul in response to the call of the exporters at the height of shipping woes brought about by the pandemic. However, the current situation will no longer be feasible for IRIS to go to the US on their 5th voyage as the exports they shipped in the first sailings are still mostly in Los Angeles warehouses and could not be delivered inland due to lack of trucking services and congested rail service. Continue reading → IRIS Paoay shifts US voyage to intra-Asia service

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) vetoed bills institutionalizing the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB).

The President dismissed the House Bill No. 9030 and Senate Bill No. 1077 – the  bills creating PTSB – as it was deemed to duplicate the functions of the  Department of Transportation (DOTr) as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Continue reading → Bills creating the transportation safety board gets a veto from PBBM

The Bureau of Customs launched iDeclare to add its newest addition to its modern systems and innovations for more convenient and faster customs services at the airport.

Effectively on April 29, 2022, Customs Administrative Order No. 01-2017 outlined the clearance procedures for air and sea travelers. Together with CMO No. 11-2022, it provided guidelines for the electronic implementation of the said CAO. Continue reading → BOC launches iDeclare to ease services at the airport