The city government of Makati was cited recently by the Office of the Ombudsman for its efforts in reducing red tape for entrepreneurs and investors and facilitating business registration and other transactions.
Aside from Makati, two other cities — Marikina ang Taguig – were also evaluated on ease of doing business standards under the Office of the Ombudsman’s “Blue Certification” program.
Makati was found to have the highest compliance, having met 65 or 75 per cent of the 87 standards set for registration of new business and renewal of business permit, earning a Blue Certificaton-Level 2. Marikina and Taguig were found to comply with 60 standards and received a Level-1 rating.
The standards provide measuring tools for the quality of application requirements and procedures, including IT-related systems, level of customer convenience, and anti-“fixer” mechanisms.
The recognition of Makati as a business-friendly city comes in the wake of being under fire for alleged corruption and irregularities.
Still in its pilot stage, the certification program aims to identify causes of inefficiency, bureaucratic delays, mismanagement, fraud and corruption in government, and make recommendations to improve service to the business community.
Upon receiving the certification in simple ceremonies, Mayor Erwin Binay expressed his gratitude that positive things being done in Makati are being recognized.
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