March 28, 2024

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera urged local government units in the region to establish an electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) following the issuance of a joint memorandum circular (JMC) by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in line with President’s Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to bring government transactions and services online.

“LGUs must install their e-BOSS or automate their business licensing and processing system (BPLS) before June 17. The e-BOSS includes online submission of business permit applications, digital payment options, and issuance of electronic versions of permits, licenses, or clearances,” said DILG OIC Regional Director Araceli San Jose.

She said the eBOSS will reduce person-to-person contact and promote strict adherence to health protocols during the pandemic.

According to the JMC, LGUs are encouraged to adopt a partly manual, partly electronic/online system that reduces the number of steps for processing business permits and standardizes the documentary requirements, steps, and processing time associated with business registration.

San Jose said some of the important requirements and features that are expected from the e-BOSS of LGUs are single point of contact for the submission of all requirements and a unified application form with all questions for all offices involved in the permit process, including a three-step process of submission, assessment/payment, and release.

“The presence of a clear and comprehensive citizen’s charter and the integration of barangay clearance in LGU permitting process and fire safety inspection/evaluation clearance in the BOSS, as well as application processing in no more than three days are required,” she said.

She said LGUs that do not comply with the directive will be subjected to a formal investigation, which may result in the filing of an administrative case.

She said cities and municipalities are required to develop and/or update their online systems/web services to integrate them with the Central Business Portal and coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the availment of electronic BPLS and Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System. – Press release