Manila: Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced a new partnership between the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Office of the Ombudsman, highlighting it as a significant step towards combating corruption and improving the enforcement of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zubiri, who is the author and sponsor of Republic Act 11032, also known as the EODB and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, emphasized that the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between ARTA and the Ombudsman is designed to expedite the resolution of cases involving government personnel who violate the law. Zubiri stated that this collaboration will enhance the efficiency of dealing with such cases and hold public officials accountable for red tape offenses.

Zubiri noted that integrating ARTA’s investigation findings directly into the Ombudsman’s case processes will streamline the path from complaint to sanction. He stressed that until violators of the EODB Act face consequences, issues of red tape and corruption will persist in government. The collaboration is expected to expedite case resolutions and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The recently signed MOA requires the Ombudsman to incorporate ARTA’s case findings into its investigative procedures, thereby eliminating the need to start from scratch. This move is anticipated to restore public trust, enhance government services, and improve investor confidence by minimizing opportunities for bribery and corruption.