Tacloban City officials back Duterte’s first order on streamlined process in gov't

TACLOBAN CITY, June 30 (PNA) -- Local government officials lauded the first directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to streamline processes in all government agencies.

City Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez lauded the Chief Executive’s first order since this will eliminate anomalous transactions.

She said that this will also allow the local government to implement projects without going through the lengthy and complicated process of securing documents from national government agencies.

“We will support this initiative. This is very good to cut red tape,” said Romualdez in a brief interview shortly after she took her oath as the city’s new mayor, replacing her husband, Alfred.

Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said the directive reduce requirements in government agencies will contribute to the city’s government’s goal to become a more business-friendly city.

“Streamlined process will encourage more investors to open up business. If they open business, that means more jobs and better economy,” Yaokasin said.

San Miguel, Leyte Mayor Cheeryl Enrica L. Esperas said the directive will strengthen the enforcement of Republic Act No. 9485 or the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007”, which has been implemented over the past years.

The law aims to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape and prevent graft and corruption in government agencies and offices.

“We hope to be trained on the streamline process that the President wants to push,” said Esperas, who was at the city hall grounds to witness the oath taking of city officials.

Duterte, in his inaugural speech as President of the Republic of the Philippines, ordered his Cabinet members to remove “redundant requirements.”

“Compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all,” he said.

He asked all cabinet secretaries to streamline all transactions in government offices and remove redundant requirements.

“I direct all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to release,” he said.

Duterte also warned his cabinet members against “changing and bending the rules of government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation.” (PNA)

BNB/SARWELL Q. MENIANO