Permit reforms target MSMEs with two-track approach

IMMEDIATE and long-term reforms are set to accelerate business permit processing across the Philippines, with a two-pronged initiative that combines direct interventions and industry benchmarking against global standards.

- Bless Aubrey Ogerio

The effort, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Philippine Ease of Doing Business Foundation (Ease.PH), aims to streamline permitting at a time when the Philippines assumes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations chairmanship this year.

Under the first track, PCCI's 126 local chambers will act as anti-red tape partners, functioning as decentralized one-stop shops for businesses to submit complaints and flag delays under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.