The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is working with other government agencies to make the Philippines a more attractive investment destination, especially as global manufacturers seek new hubs following the U.S. imposition of reciprocal tariffs.

“Hinahanda na natin iyong Pilipinas na magkaroon ng business friendly environment,” Anti-Red Tape Authority Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on March 4, 2025 Proclamation No. 818 declaring the Month of May as the Ease of Doing Business Month.

“The goal is simple: less red tape, more action, more results, more success, more quickly. We want investments to come in, projects to break ground faster, [and] jobs to reach our people sooner. Because when businesses move quickly, progress follows just as fast,” the President said.

The President made the remarks during the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Milestone Event held in Malacañang last month.

ARTA’s role is to facilitate and coordinate efforts with various lead agencies to address concerns such as digital infrastructure, aimed at boosting internet speed and attaining wider coverage.

He said ARTA is currently working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

He added that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) spearheaded a workshop on digital infrastructure and renewable energy last week.

Perez said that to address challenges related to high power costs, ARTA encourages businesses to harness the Philippines’ renewable energy potential, noting that ADB conducted a workshop on the matter.

“By June, we will have a study that will recommend expediting the permitting process further to encourage investors to really come in, and we’re really preparing for it,” Perez said.

ARTA issued a memorandum circular under the theme “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighting the administration’s brand of governance to create a transparent, efficient, citizen-centric, and business-friendly government. | PND

With two Philippine beaches ranked among the “World’s 50 Best Beaches,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism that supports communities and preserves national heritage.

Malacanang said the inclusion of two Philippine beaches—Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, and Bon Bon Beach of Romblon Island—in the “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list reflects the progress of the Marcos administration’s National Tourism Development Plan (NDTP) 2023–2028.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will lead the implementation of the NTDP 2023–2028, the government’s blueprint for tourism development, through strategic programs and partnerships with key national agencies.

“Ang pagkilalang ito ay patunay sa kahanga-hangang ganda ng Pilipinas at sa ating global standing bilang isa sa mga pangunahing beach destinations sa buong mundo,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing in Malacañang.

Entalula Beach climbed to second place in the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, up from fourth in 2024. With its dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand, it is praised as “Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven.”

Bon Bon Beach also rose to 38th from 48th, described as a “laid-back paradise” known for its striking sandbar connecting to Bangug Island.

Castro said the Marcos administration, through the NTDP 2023-2028 and the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign, is pushing for sustainable tourism while attracting more tourists.

“Patuloy ang DOT sa pagsusulong ng sustainable tourism, hindi lang para sa ating coastal destinations, kundi para rin sa pag-unlad ng ating mga komunidad at pagtaguyod ng ating national heritage,” Castro said.

About 1,000 travel professionals and influencers chose the World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2025. | PND

On orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is stepping up efforts to eliminate delays and corruption in local government offices by ensuring that all LGUs fully use the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) system.

This e-BOSS, a digital portal developed by the ARTA, aims to make business transactions faster, easier, and more transparent for the public.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday, ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “replacing red tape with red carpet,” creating a more investor-friendly environment by 2028.

Perez said the LGUs’ full compliance with e-BOSS is key to attracting local and foreign investments, especially with the global manufacturing shifts.

“In 2028, ang ating gusto ay lahat po ng local government units should comply with the electronic business one-stop shop because we know that by attracting businesses to come in. That’s why we’re replacing red tape with red carpet, because this is the number one concern amongst the businessmen,” Perez said.

Perez reported that 131 LGUs will face legal action for failing to comply with the mandated creation of an e-BOSS system. This move follows the issuance of 431 notices to explain, of which 134 LGUs did not respond.

“As early as 2021 ay naglabas po tayo ng Joint Memorandum Circular with the DICT, DILG at DTI kung saan nilatag po natin iyong guidelines para mabilis sa kanila ang mag-comply dito sa requirement ng electronic Business One-Stop Shop,” Perez said.

Perez said that failure to comply or respond to notices constitutes a clear violation of the Ease of Doing Business Law and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He added that cases will be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Perez said only 115 out of 1,642 LGUs have fully complied with e-BOSS requirements, of which 77 achieved compliance only in 2025.

While 1,203 LGUs are partially automated, ARTA continues to push for full compliance, citing available free systems from the Department of Integrated Communications and Technology (DICT) such as eGov.ph.

Perez said delays often cited by LGUs, such as poor internet connectivity or lack of funding, are not valid excuses. He pointed out that even sixth-class municipalities have managed to implement e-BOSS with national support.

Perez highlighted how e-BOSS dramatically reduces processing times, citing Malabon and Navotas, which now issue business permits in under 10 minutes. In Valenzuela, it takes as little as five minutes. | PND

In a landmark step to improve the business climate in the Philippines, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) kicked off on May 5 the first celebration of “Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month.”

ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez affirmed ARTA’s full and proactive compliance with President Marcos’s directive to streamline and digitalize all government services, describing it as the most effective tool in combating red tape and corruption.

“Mahigpit po ang direktiba ng ating mahal na Pangulo for all government processes to be streamlined and digitalized. Napatunayan natin na ito po ang pinakaepektibong paraan para labanan ang red tape at corruption in the process,” Perez said in a Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday

The celebration aligns with Proclamation No. 818 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 4, 2025, which declared May of every year as “Ease of Doing Business Month.”

The presidential proclamation also marks a significant milestone in the country’s reform agenda for streamlined, transparent, and efficient governance.

With the theme, “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas,” ARTA highlights the administration’s commitment to citizen-centric and business-friendly public service.

Perez said the initiative reflects the growing collaboration among government, business chambers, and international partners.

“The business sector is very upbeat about the prospects for the Philippines,” Perez said, citing active support from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, and the Philippine Exporters Confederation.

The month-long campaign includes a virtual shipbuilding orientation with the Department of Transportation and Danish Embassy on May 7, and a nationwide inspection of frontline services from May 13–15 to assess improvements in LGUs and national agencies. | PND

While an investigation into the fatal vehicular crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 is underway, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also ordered a separate probe into the design and construction of the bollards installed at the terminal’s entrance.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has ordered a review of the procurement process and technical specifications of the bollards installed in the walkway of NAIA Terminal 1.

“Pinaiimbestigahan na po kung papaano po ang naging procurement pati ‘yung specification ng mga bollards. Iyon po ay sa pag-uutos po ng Pangulo,” Castro said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Initial reports indicated that the bollards failed to prevent a vehicle from crashing through the walkway, killing two persons, including a 5-year-old girl, and injuring four others.

Bollards are sturdy vertical posts primarily used to manage and control traffic, enhance security, and protect people and property.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon raised concerns about the bollards’ failure to stop a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that crashed into NAIA’s departure area walkway.

Dizon said the bollards were installed to prevent wayward vehicles from crashing through.

Castro pointed out that the bollards in question were installed in 2019 under the administration of then-Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Castro said that in compliance with the President’s directive, Dizon has begun an immediate assessment of the incident and is committed to addressing the issue with utmost urgency.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) would also inspect all the remaining bollards at NAIA and replace them if necessary to ensure public safety.

President Marcos earlier vowed to implement reforms in the country’s transport system and hold all those responsible for the deadly NAIA accident accountable. | PND

Government agencies and the private sector are coordinating closely to ensure a stable power supply during the May 12, midterm elections, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies and private sector partners are taking proactive steps to guarantee uninterrupted electricity throughout the electoral process.

“Mahalagang masiguro ang maayos na daloy ng kuryente para maprotektahan ang publiko at mapanatili ang katatagan ng national grid ngayong halalan,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer said the DOE has directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration (NEA), electric cooperatives, and private distribution utilities to clear any structures obstructing power lines promptly.

“Kabilang dito ang mga ilegal na campaign material at iba pang mga istrukturang posibleng magdulot ng panganib sa kaligtasan at sa tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente,” Castro stressed.

The DOE is coordinating closely with local government units (LGUs) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Special Task Force Baklas to swiftly and safely remove such obstructions.

Castro said the DOE responded to reports from the Comelec regarding the widespread illegal practice of putting campaign materials on electrical poles and power lines.

“Hindi lamang paglabag sa election rules kundi malaking panganib din sa kaligtasan at operasyon ng ating power system,” she stressed.

The DOE initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11361, or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, which seeks to protect power lines and related facilities from hazards.

Earlier, the DOE-led Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE) assured the public of an uninterrupted power supply nationwide during voting, transmission, and canvassing.

The ETFE, a multi-agency body led by the DOE, works closely with the Comelec, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure smooth and credible elections. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for conducting 2.72 million inspections over the past 14 months, ensuring the safety of sea-going vessels across the country.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted Coast Guard officers in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos highlighted the importance of these extensive checks, covering pre-departure assessments, vessel safety, emergency readiness, and port state control, in safeguarding maritime travel and public welfare.

The President noted that from January 2024 to March 2025, the PCG conducted 2.72 million inspections, 44,777 seaborne missions, and patrolled over 3.1 million square nautical miles—demonstrating its vast responsibility and firm resolve.

In terms of responding to maritime incidents, the PCG handled over 2,000 incidents and rescued nearly four thousand five hundred individuals,

“For decades, the PCG has stood as a vigilant force across our seas—calm in crisis, firm in mission, [and] unshakable in your dedication to serve,” President Marcos noted.

“Driven by your vision to become a highly professional, multi-missioned, and modernized maritime force, you have made enormous strides. From routine operations to moments of peril, your commitment has been strong and unwavering,” the Chief Executive said.

In addition to regular inspections, the President also commended the PCG for its response to the MT Terra Nova oil spill in Limay, Bataan, which was a defining moment for the service.

“You coordinated swiftly, acted decisively, [and] prevented further devastation to our marine ecosystems. That is what service looks like: anticipating, acting with purpose, and leaving no community behind,” President Marcos noted.

The PCG likewise further enforced the country’s environmental standards, conducting 17,715 vessel and facility inspections and 555 shore-based patrols to ensure that environmental guidelines were followed.

In terms of maritime law enforcement, he said the PCG carried out 33,633 sea-marshaling operations and held accountable 578 individuals for illegal maritime activities.

“These figures are proof that the PCG remains a trusted guardian of peace and justice at sea,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for steadfastly protecting the country’s territory and sovereign rights, emphasizing that its presence is most crucial and symbolic in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted Coast Guard officers in Malacañang, President Marcos also promised to enhance the PCG’s capabilities so that it can better fulfill its duties in the face of geopolitical challenges.

“Perhaps nowhere is your presence more crucial than in the West Philippine Sea,” the President said.

“Your continued patrols across the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Rise, and our other maritime zones reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our sovereign rights. The missions are declarations: we will always stand for what is ours, and we will do so with dignity, with integrity, [and] with strength,” President Marcos added.

The President said his administration supports the PCG in boosting its capabilities through advanced vessels, technologies, and support systems that reflect the scale and urgency of its work.

“In a time of global instability and rising maritime tensions, we look to you, together with the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to stand the ground in stormy seas and never waver in what is right,” the President stressed.

The President recognized PCG’s conduct of maritime patrols and domain awareness activities and its valuable partnerships with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines’ ASEAN neighbors through joint patrols and port visits.

“These are strategic actions that preserve peace, that ensure the freedom of navigation,
and protect the livelihoods of our fishermen who rely on these waters,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive vowed to support PCG personnel and their families, saying that in addition to the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program, the President signed the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act last month.

The new law, Republic Act No. 12177, benefits personnel who face civil, criminal, or administrative cases arising from performing their duties. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared May 12 a special non-working holiday to allow registered voters to participate in the national and local elections.

Under Proclamation No. 878, President Marcos emphasized the “need to declare Monday, 12 May 2025, as a special (non-working) holiday to enable the people to exercise their right to vote properly.”

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed the proclamation on May 6, 2025. | PND