The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) targets all 1,600 local government units (LGUs) to have their electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) before the end of the Duterte administration next year.
ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said Friday this is “very possible that, at the end of the term of our President, we will have all our LGUs onboard.” Currently, only 580 LGUs were able to meet the June 17 deadline for setting up e-BOSS.
“Based on what we see, “I could safely say that all LGUs are willing (to automate) as long as you will help them,” he said, addung that LGUs are free to use the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (IBPLS) software of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to set up their e-BOSS.”
The e-BOSS aims to streamline and automate processes in LGUs like accepting electronic submission of application; issuing electronic tax bill or order of payment; accepting online payment; releasing of electronic version of permits, licenses, and clearances; and providing gateway facility linked to courier service where applicant prefers hard copy of the documents.
The Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032) and the Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 mandates all LGUs to establish e-BOSS on or before June 17, 2021. ARTA has directed all LGUs to submit their compliance reports by July 14, 2021, and LGUs that fail to comply have to submit their explanation letter.
“You better make sure you have valid reasons, otherwise, you will be investigated and cases may be filed against you,” Belgica stressed, adding that there is an urgent need to streamline and automate government transactions amid the Covid-19 pandemic, to make it safer for the public to transact with government.