RMC No. 56-2018: Circularizes the full text of RA No. 11032, “An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Service, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9485, Otherwise Known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, and for Other Purposes”. Otherwise Known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”

Key points

1. Coverage. The Act applies to all government offices and agencies, including LGUs and GOCCs, whether in the Philippines or abroad, that provide business and non-business related services. They must regularly study and reengineer their systems and procedures to reduce red tape and processing time.
2. Citizen’s Charter and zero contact. Each agency posts its current service standards as a Citizen’s Charter on billboards, its website and published materials. Officers may not contact applicants except during preliminary assessment and evaluation of submitted requirements, or where strictly necessary.
3. Processing time. Requests are acted on within the time stated in the Citizen’s Charter, no longer than three (3) working days for simple transactions and seven (7) working days for complex ones. Disapprovals need a written notice with reasons.
4. Automatic approval or extension. If an agency does not act on an original application in time, it is deemed approved, provided all required documents are submitted and all fees paid. A renewal not acted on in time is automatically extended.
5. Business systems. A unified business application form and a Business One Stop-Shop in each Negosyo Center are required, with an electronic BOSS set up within three (3) years. The DICT sets up a Central Business Portal and, within one (1) year, a Philippine Business Databank.
6. Violations and penalties. Violations include refusing complete applications, adding requirements or costs not in the Citizen’s Charter, missing processing times, not issuing official receipts and fixing. A first offense carries administrative liability with six (6) months suspension. A second offense carries dismissal, perpetual disqualification, forfeiture of retirement benefits, imprisonment of one (1) year to six (6) years and a fine of ₱500,000.00 to ₱2,000,000.00.

Who is affected

• All government offices and agencies, including LGUs and GOCCs

Deadlines and effectivity

• Three (3) working days for simple transactions and seven (7) working days for complex ones
• Electronic BOSS within three (3) years of the Act’s effectivity
• Philippine Business Databank within one (1) year of the Act’s effectivity