PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has directed all government offices to eliminate excessive regulation in their processes or else face administrative complaints. Duterte instructed government agencies to retain steps, procedures, and requirements that may be necessary to fulfill their legal mandates and policy objectives. The President has assigned the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), led by Jeremiah Belgica, to monitor and ensure compliance with his directive to remove overregulation. The President has directed ARTA to review and evaluate the compliance reports submitted by covered agencies and present to his office its findings and recommendations. CATHERINE S. VALENTE

Source: Manila Times February 27, 2020 09:49 UTC