Davao City is fully compliant with the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), according to the latest inspection of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
During the Wednesdays Media Forum at the Habi at Kape last March 6, Engr. Rhuelo D. Aradanas, Regional Chief, ARTA-Eastern Mindanao Region, said that aside from being eBOSS-compliant, Davao City is also aware that ARTA is monitoring them.
According to the ARTA, eBOSS is an online portal that allows clients to access all necessary services and information for business registration, including submission of applications, online payment, and electronic issuance of pertinent documents.
“Magandang development ito, dahil para sa mga investors natin hindi na sila mahihirapan at naiiwasan natin yung ‘lagay’,” Aradanas said.
“Lagay” or bribery is one of the acts punishable under the Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act. Violators could face an administrative liability of six (6) months suspension in their first offense, and second offenders would face administrative and criminal liability, including dismissal, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits, and imprisonment of one (1) year to six (6) years with a fine of Php 500,000.00 to Php 2,000,000.00.
Meanwhile, under Section 11 (c) of the said law, all LGUs are mandated to set-up and operationalize an eBOSS by June 17, 2021, within three (3) years from the effectivity of the law.
Aside from Davao City, Aradanas also mentioned that General Santos City is fully compliant with eBOSS.
He added that they have filed cases against offices that committed major violations of the Ease of Doing Business Act while those with minor violations were given seminars or orientations.
Aradanas reminds the public that the ARTA is accepting anonymous complaints through email at complaints@arta.gov.ph, through their social media account, and their hotlines at 8888 and 1-2782.
“Patuloy po kaming nag-iinspection sa mga government offices. Be it national line agencies, local government units, GOCCs, government hospitals, colleges, state universities, and even the water utilities,” he said.
