The government targets end-to-end processing of business applications in one day before the year ends, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said. During the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday, Lopez said this heeds the call of President Rodrigo Duterte during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) to end queuing in government offices to avail of public services. Lopez encouraged entrepreneurs to process their business applications through the Central Business Portal (CBP) that streamlines processes in getting permits and licenses. The CBP, launched early this year, contains applications for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and at least 18 cities and municipalities.

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The online platform is still in its initial phase. Lopez said the CBP has shortened the process to three to five days. It was reduced from 33 days. “Before the end of the year, we are targeting one-day processing,” the DTI chief said. Lopez said that with the ease of doing business, he expects more Filipinos would engage in livelihood activities. During the Kapihan sa ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) Thursday, Lopez said automating government services is an effective way to eliminate queues in government offices. “We’ve all seen how the pandemic has wreaked havoc to our lives, to the economy, and to our health systems. That’s why we need to contribute to reviving the Philippine economy to generate jobs and reduce poverty. We believe that through more efficient services, especially through automation, government agencies and local government units can help in reviving economic activity,” he added.

Article source: PNA

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