The Anti-Red Tape Authority will release an order that will render all applications of transportation network vehicle system (TNVS) nearing completion or approval to be deemed approved already by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to aid the riding public from the daily hassle of commuting.
In line with this, ARTA will ask the LTFRB with the complete list of applications for certificate of public convenience, according to agency director general Jeremiah Belgica in a briefing Tuesday at the ARTA office in Makati City.
“We have also asked the LTFRB to streamline their procedures and give us an updated Citizen’s Charter as soon as possible,” he said.
In a letter forwarded by ARTA to the LTFRB on July 24, 2019, the anti-red tape agency sought the LTFRB’s explanation for certain issues such as irregularities in the issuance of CPC and provisional authority; compelling applicants to submit requirements that tend to lengthen processing; and non-issuance of franchises for hatchback vehicle models.
What the agency found most irritating was the seeming nonchalance of the transportation agency to immediately process requests that created a long queue every single day before the LTFRB office and the unceasing laments posted by the citizenry on its complaints action center.
ARTA is giving the LTFRB three days to come up with the complete list approved TNVS to allow them to operate ASAP.
Meanwhile, in line with the TNVS issue, ARTA created a stronger Citizen’s Charter guidelines from the Anti-Red Tape Act 2007 started by the Civil Service Commission.
A Citizen’s Charter is a document that states, in simple terms, the services a government agency should deliver to its constituents. This document will also be the measure on how effective an agency is in fulfilling its responsibility to the public as well as the basis for any misdemeanor that might arise in the course of serving the people.
Legally, the charter will make sure that the 3-7-20 processing of transaction will be strictly adhered to by any government agency – 3 days for simple procedures, 7 days for complicated and 20 days for highly technical.
The updated Citizen’s Charter will be forwarded for approval by the President.
All agencies have until December 6 to submit their respective updated Citizen’s Charter.
In line with ARTA’s order, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade likewise ordered the LTFRB to automatically approve all pending Transport Network Vehicle Service applications with complete documentary requirements.
“In a meeting yesterday with ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade instructed Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon to ensure LTFRB’s immediate implementation of ARTA’s Order, provided that substantive completion of documents/requirements are met by applicants,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran said.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority urged government agencies to ensure that policies, regulations, and other interventions promote market efficiency and do not inhibit competition and innovation.
“Businesses and consumers benefit from greater efficiency and market competition. Government processes, rules and regulations, as well as issuances, should not be overly restrictive resulting in undue and unnecessary burden to businesses, consumers, and the public at large. We need to have a regulatory environment that encourages— not stifles— productivity, innovation, and efficiency improvements,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.
NEDA issued a statement following Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) call for the LTFRB to address alleged irregularities in the issuance of Provisional Authority (PA) and the grant of Certificate of Public Convenience to Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) applicants.
LTFRB reportedly requires TNVS applicants to file their application in person as the designation of a representative other than the direct ascendant or descendant of the applicants is prohibited.
“The imposition of additional requirements without due cause restricts the entry of market players or businesses in any industry. Our role in government is to simplify and streamline processes to create an enabling environment that would be beneficial to all in the long term,” said Pernia.
The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 aims to institutionalize a National Competition Policy that enhances market competition by fostering an environment that facilitates entry of players and supports regulatory reforms.
