CSC reminds agencies on implementation of ARTA law

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA)- The Civil Service Commission – Cordillera is reminding all the government offices, regional line agencies and local government units to implement the Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

CSC-CAR Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Rillera said that several regional line agencies and local government units in the Cordillera region have failed to comply with the provisions of the ARTA during the conduct of the 2011 Report Card Survey and again in the recent on-the-spot inspection of government offices.

During the on-the-spot inspection of the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board office in Pacdal, Baguio City, CSC-CAR noticed several violations which were not yet corrected since their last inspection last year.

Among the findings were the lack of a Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), the observance of the no lunch break rule and the placement of a visible Citizen’s Charter including the flow chart and step by step of services being rendered .

The regional and field offices of the CSC have been conducting ARTA Watch or the spot-check to monitor and promote the compliance of government offices providing frontline services on ARTA provisions like the “No Noon Break Policy” and the “Anti-Fixer Campaign”.

Among the agencies which were checked for ARTA compliance were the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation , the Local Civil Registrar and the City Health Office of Baguio City, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and La Trinidad Water District.

ARTA watch was also conducted in the different LGUs such as the provincial government units of Kalinga and Ifugao, local governments of Bangued, Abra, and La Trinidad, Benguet.

The CSC officials held a simplified Service Delivery Excellence Program (SDEP) after the ARTA Watch to technically assist the employees in addressing the ARTA Watch Teams observations. Monitored agencies were furnished copies of the ARTA Watch reports as guide in strengthening and improving their services. ( JDP/RC- PIA CAR)