Senate OKs bill to simplify bureaucratic processes
The Senate has approved a proposed anti- red tape measure that seeks to give the President the authority to simplify bureaucratic processes during national emergencies in the hope this would improve the ease of doing business as well as strengthen the fight against corruption.
Senate Bill 1844 seeks to authorize the President, during times of national emergency, to suspend the requirements for national and local permits, licenses and certifications, and to streamline and expedite their processing.
Sen. Bong Go, co- author and cosponsor of the measure, lauded the passage of SB 1844, saying that a swifter and more efficient conduct of government transactions during times of national emergencies can also set a benchmark to improve government processes even during normal times.
“If this measure would enable us to fast- track the processes in times of national emergencies, we could also try to provide a swift, orderly and reliable government service even when there are no emergencies,” he said.
Go also lauded the Senate for being united in supporting the administration’s fight against red tape and corruption in the bureaucracy.
“I thank all our colleagues for fully supporting this measure. We may be on different sides of the fence about certain issues, but on this important legislation, we are united,” he added.
The senator also encouraged Filipinos to help in the efforts to improve public service delivery by reporting wrongdoings or inefficiencies in government processes.
“Know your rights and demand the best public service,” he reminded.
In an earlier statement, Go thanked President Duterte for certifying SB 1844 as urgent, which enabled the Senate to pass the measure on third and final reading last Wednesday.