The government is simplifying the process of starting a business to six steps in eight days – down from current 16 steps in 34 days – in an effort to make registration of business operations faster and more efficient.
The reforms are the product of the National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) “Gameplan 3.0”, which aims to synergize government processes related to easing the conduct of business in the country.
The reforms included merging several steps together and the removal of outdated procedures to introduce an enhanced one-stop-shop procedure in local government units. The change involved the collaboration of several government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth and the Quezon City local government.
Payroll-related payments to Pag-IBIG and Philhealth will also be moved online for companies with 10 or more employees, following the innovation introduced by the SSS. It will reduce payments from 36 to just 13 per year.
Trade and Industry Secretary and NCC co-chairman Gregory L. Domingo said: “We continue to be encouraged by reforms that will make our business registration faster, simpler, more efficient, and more transparent. DTI is committed to sustaining the momentum to achieve improved competitiveness and encourage inclusive growth. This ties in nicely as well with our role to boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises.”
Manila Bulletin
