ARTA eyes improved global competitiveness ranking with PH EODB Reform Guidebook launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

To improve the business environment in the Philippines, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officially launched the first-ever Philippine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reform Guidebook on 22 May 2025, at the Manila Hotel, Pasay City.

Developed in coordination with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the World Bank Group, the PH EODB Reform Guidebook outlines priority reforms, provides an implementation roadmap to ensure alignment with the ease of doing business agenda, and serves as a key reference document for policymakers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders in enhancing the country’s business climate.

The successful implementation of the PH EODB Reform Guidebook is projected to boost the Philippines' standing in key competitiveness indices, including the B-READY Report and others found in the Philippine Global Competitiveness Report Card.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, who led the launch with ARTA's Better Regulation Office (BRO) Doing Business Division (DBD), expressed his excitement about the new guidebook.

"We are pleased to launch it today as part of the first National Ease of Doing Business Month, under Proclamation No. 818. The theme—“From Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas”—reflects our goal to transform the everyday experiences of citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors," Secretary Perez said. 

The ARTA Chief has also recognized the importance of reform in the regulatory process of government service. 

"This is necessary work of mature governance, and it must be done again and again, until the experience of government becomes predictable not for its slowness, but for its fairness," he added. 

During the same event, an Awarding Ceremony for EODB Partners was held, honoring government agencies and private sector organizations. This segment underscored the crucial contributions of these key stakeholders in advancing business-friendly reforms and cultivating a more competitive regulatory environment.

Speakers from the event were Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Neil Adrian Cabiles, Office of the President (OP) Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston, Australian Embassy in the Philippines Economic Counsellor Luke Villiers, World Bank Group Senior Economist Jaime Frias, Buklod Bayani Coalition Secretary General Roberto “Bobby” A. Alvarez Jr., and Embassy of Israel in the Philippines Ambassador His Excellency Ilan Fluss.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac, DBM Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for eGovernment David Almirol also graced the event.

Local Government Units (LGUs) heads were also present including Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte City Mayor Hon. Judy Amante; Maramag, Bukidnon Municipal Mayor Hon. Jose Joel Doromal; Santa Rosa City, Laguna City Vice Mayor Hon. Arlene Arcillas; San Roque, Northen Samar Municipal Mayor Hon. Maria Ana Abalon; Naawan, Misamis Oriental Municipal Mayor Hon. Dennis Roa; Dingalan, Aurora Municipal Mayor Hon. Shierwin Taay; General Trias, Cavite City Mayor Hon. Luis Ferrer IV; General Trias, Cavite City Vice Mayor Hon. Jonas Labuguen; Ilagan, Isabela City Mayor Hon. Josemarie Diaz; Socorro, Surigao Del Norte Municipal Mayor Hon. Riza Rafonselle Timcang; Baliwag, Bulacan City Mayor Hon. Ferdinand Estrella; Ubay, Bohol Municipal Mayor Hon. Constantino Reyes; Surallah, South Cotabato Municipal Mayor Hon. Pedro Matinong, Jr.; Don Carlos, Bukidnon Municipal Mayor Hon. Ma. Victoria Pizarro; and Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte City Mayor Hon. Frederick Siao.

Private sector groups including Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.) Inc. President Mahesh P. Mirpuri, Philippines-Norway Business Council Inc. President Carl Martin Faannessen, Asian Intitute Management - Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness (AIM-RSNPCC) Chairman Guillermo “Bill” M. Luz, Management Association of the Philippines Ease of Doing Business Committee Co-Vice Chair Ruy Y. Moreno, PLDT Vice President/Head - Public Sector Enterprise Revenue Group Public Sector PLDT Enterprise Ruby Montoya, National Real Estate Association, Inc Vice President - External Josephine Pen Cortez, Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. President Patrick Ronas, Philippine Ship Agents Association President Ricardo Jamandre, Smart Vice President Pamela Felizarta, and Globe Telecom Inc. Vice President - Strategic Partnerships and Programs Michelle Ora also joined.

Fully supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to transform red tape into a red carpet of opportunities, ARTA will continue its efforts to streamline all government processes nationwide for the benefit of all Filipinos.

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