ARTA, Ombudsman ink deal to speed up probe on red tape, corruption

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Office of the Ombudsman have signed a memorandum of agreement to expedite the investigation of red-tape violations and alleged corruption by public officials.

Under the new agreement, the Ombudsman will give significant weight to ARTA's findings, incorporating them into its investigation process to streamline case resolution.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri lauded the pact, calling it a 'decisive enforcement tool' to give the Ease of Doing Business law more bite.

Zubiri, author and sponsor of the EODB law, stated that this partnership will speed up the disposal of cases against government actors who violate the law.

ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez anticipates faster action on complaints and encourages citizens to report issues.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla expects the collaboration's impact in the coming months, particularly on corruption allegations related to flood control projects and cases involving the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Customs.