On orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is stepping up efforts to eliminate delays and corruption in local government offices by ensuring that all LGUs fully use the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) system.
This e-BOSS, a digital portal developed by the ARTA, aims to make business transactions faster, easier, and more transparent for the public.
In a Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday, ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “replacing red tape with red carpet,” creating a more investor-friendly environment by 2028.
Perez said the LGUs’ full compliance with e-BOSS is key to attracting local and foreign investments, especially with the global manufacturing shifts.
“In 2028, ang ating gusto ay lahat po ng local government units should comply with the electronic business one-stop shop because we know that by attracting businesses to come in. That’s why we’re replacing red tape with red carpet, because this is the number one concern amongst the businessmen,” Perez said.
Perez reported that 131 LGUs will face legal action for failing to comply with the mandated creation of an e-BOSS system. This move follows the issuance of 431 notices to explain, of which 134 LGUs did not respond.
“As early as 2021 ay naglabas po tayo ng Joint Memorandum Circular with the DICT, DILG at DTI kung saan nilatag po natin iyong guidelines para mabilis sa kanila ang mag-comply dito sa requirement ng electronic Business One-Stop Shop,” Perez said.
Perez said that failure to comply or respond to notices constitutes a clear violation of the Ease of Doing Business Law and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He added that cases will be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Perez said only 115 out of 1,642 LGUs have fully complied with e-BOSS requirements, of which 77 achieved compliance only in 2025.
While 1,203 LGUs are partially automated, ARTA continues to push for full compliance, citing available free systems from the Department of Integrated Communications and Technology (DICT) such as eGov.ph.
Perez said delays often cited by LGUs, such as poor internet connectivity or lack of funding, are not valid excuses. He pointed out that even sixth-class municipalities have managed to implement e-BOSS with national support.
Perez highlighted how e-BOSS dramatically reduces processing times, citing Malabon and Navotas, which now issue business permits in under 10 minutes. In Valenzuela, it takes as little as five minutes. | PND
