Red Tape

The Local Government system has been greatly improved the past few years especially since the implementation of the Local Government Code of 1991. The Local Governments were given a bigger budget, and were given more leeway with regard to their powers of making rules within their jurisdiction. Wielding this kind of power, the Local Governments rolled up its sleeves and went to work, implementing new rules, adding taxes, and improving their own jurisdiction. Unfortunately, with added power comes added responsibilities and a ton of temptations.

Applying for a new business shouldn’t be so hard, especially since its the small business who are the lifeblood of our economy. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has already jumpstarted the move toward the computerization of applications for sole proprietorships. The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) have also taken steps toward simplifying the process. The Local Government has similarly taken the same steps but unfortunately, on my end of the table at least, they have failed. The added power was used more on the added temptations rather than on responsibilities. They refuse to release the proper papers, already paid for unless you go through a number of other local government agencies and obtain the proper certification from them. This may seem like a reasonable prerequisite but the red tape that you have to go through in each of these agencies in unimaginable. Unnamed officials from each office require also, aside from the official fees, a little bit of extra fees of you know what I mean. I questioned the discrepancy between the official receipt given to me and the money they actually collected and the looks on their faces was as if I had asked them something that was never asked before. The women curtly told me: “Ahh… bagong fee po yan. Wala pa sa system.” And quickly stood up and went to the computers at the back of the room. I knew then that the red tape would get even stickier.

By Trisha Isabelle F. Fernandez Entry #01