When various transactions of the public with the government become faster, efficient, and more convenient — everybody wins. This simple fact is the moving spirit behind the enactment of Republic Act No. 11032 also known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 28, 2018.
In compliance with the provisions of RA 11032 which effectively amended the various provisions of Republic Act No. 9485 (also known as the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007”), the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City Bacoor is launching two initiatives intended to improve the manner by which the City Council and the Office of the Vice Mayor transacts with the public, namely: (a) the 30-Minute Challenge, and (b) the revision of the various provisions of the Internal Rules of the City Council.
The 30-Minute Challenge, according to Atty. Khalid Atega Jr., Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, is a program that aims to train SP/OVM personnel to deliver excellent service to all taxpayers, Bacoor City residents, city government employees and officials, employees and officials of other LGUs and national agencies, and foreign visitors at all times and under all circumstances; ensure the efficient delivery of various government services to the public; curtail the commission of graft and corruption in the operation of the SP/OVM; create an effective feedback mechanism that will allow the clients of the said offices to give suggestions on how to improve its services; give due recognition to the exemplary performance of employees of the SP/OVM; and subject erring SP/OVM personnel to further training or, if warranted, to the appropriate administrative sanctions.
The project, once implemented fully, will enable the SP/OVM to complete simple transactions (transactions that should be acted upon within 3 days as provided under RA 11032) within just 30 minutes, complex transactions (transactions that should be acted upon within 7 days under RA 11032) within one working day, and highly technical transactions (transactions that should be completed within 20 days under RA 11032) within 10 days.
On the other hand, the revision of the Internal Rules of the City Council will enhance the ability of its members to quickly and efficiently act upon various matters that fall within the ambit of RA 11032. It must be noted, however, that the approval of ordinances – the main duty of the Sanggunian – is not among the government transactions that fall within the purview of the said law.