The Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has committed to eliminate bureaucratic red tape as well as streamline business registration processes in the country through the Central Business Portal (CBP) by 2020.
The commitment was done during the pilot launch of the portal recently.
Central Business Portal
- According to a recent press release, the Philippines Central Business Portal is an online platform aimed at providing a faster and more convenient way of applying for business registrations.
- In addition, it will be an easier way to secure and submit business requirements. Plus, it is also designed to provide links to online registration services of various National Government Agencies (NGAs).
- Since the applications are done online and will be completed in five days, the CBP is expected to reduce, but not totally eradicate, long queues for physical transactions.
- The DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II explained that CBP is their way of promoting transparency and upholding the ease of doing business.
- Moreover, the CBP will help them guarantee that the processing period for transactions that are related to business registrations is shortened.
Eliminate Corruption
The Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority is positive that the Philippines central business portal will suppress corruption in the government.
He furthered that this is made possible by the lack human intervention in the process. Every signature, every stop in the process, wherein there is a need to speak with a government employee is an opportunity for corruption.
Therefore, streamlining the process online removes the stress caused by lining up and removal of fixers and corruption.
The CBP, which will be fully operational by February 14 next year, covers business transactions under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
However, it is also envisioned to cover the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), social agencies, and even transactions under the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Republic Act 11302, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, mandates the DICT as the lead agency responsible in establishing, operating and maintaining the CBP.
Strengthened Internet connectivity
In order to effectively and efficiently roll-out the portal, the DICT Secretary underscored how they are increasing their efforts in improving the Internet connectivity.
According to him, this is the marching order of the President: Connect everybody to everybody.
This means government to other governments, whether domestic or global; government to businesses, hence the business portal; government to the citizens; and everybody to each other.
In line with this, the Department simultaneously launched twenty-three Internet sites across seventeen regions in the Philippines through the Free Wi-Fi for All program.
As reported, the Department will strengthen its efforts to provide fast and secure Internet access to the Filipino people, which will provide them access to data that they can transform into opportunities for progress and growth.
Connectivity is important as it does not only unite the country, induce political unity and social cohesion, but also promotes economic prosperity.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported on DICT rolls out Free Wi-Fi for All Program in pilot city. The City of San Juan, in the Philippines, will serve as the pilot city for the rollout of the Free Wi-Fi for All Program.
