MANILA, Philippines — In a significant show of public-private collaboration and partnership, the Philippine Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc., also known as EASE PH, alongside the Buklod Bayani Coalition, formally accepted the responsibility from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as convener of the private sector on the business community’s role in a nationwide review of governmental regulatory processes, in a dinner meeting at the Presidential Suite of The Manila Hotel on September 30, 2025.

Atty. Joey Lina, spokesperson and Executive Vice President of EASE PH, led the program by reminiscing about the establishment of the Buklod Bayani Coalition, made possible by some of the biggest names in the business industry and supportive partners in the government, namely former DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, EASE PH Chairman George T. Barcelon, PCCI Chairman of the Council of Leaders Mr. Jose T. Pardo, and President of EASE PH Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Alvarez Jr., who were also in attendance.

Chief Investments Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry, Mr. Lubin R. de Vera Jr., and public sector representative of the Ease of Doing Business–Anti-Red Tape (EODB-ART) Advisory Council, shared the overview of the resolution on the appointment of EASE PH and the Buklod Bayani Coalition as the convener of the private sector. He also provided background on how the Operational Permits and Protocols Simplification (OPPS) could be an essential tool creating a conducive environment for businesses, and formally endorsed it as part of the resolution.

“This is the very definition of a partnership. The government provides the enabling framework, while the private sector brings real-world insights, resources, and experiences that sharpen and ground our reforms,” said Mr. de Vera.

Buklod Bayani Coalition and EASE PH key leaders—Mr. Roberto A. Alvarez Jr., Mr. George T. Barcelon, Mr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., Atty. Benhur D. Abalos Jr., and Mr. Jose T. Pardo—accepted the plaque signifying the private-sector-driven regulatory review initiative and commitment to this nation-building initiative from Sec. Ernesto V. Perez, the Director General of ARTA.

The meeting culminated with messages of support from industry giants and prominent representatives of various private sector organizations, with a closing commitment delivered by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President, Consul Enunina V. Mangio.

“We affirm tonight our firm resolve to this endeavor and to the broader objective of cultivating an economic environment wherein enterprises of all sizes may establish, operate, expand, and contribute substantively to inclusive and sustainable national development,” said Consul Mangio.

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Buklod Bayani Coalition meeting on 26 October 2023, with Executive Secretary, Lucas P. Bersamin, who emphasized the urgency of realizing the government and private sector collaboration.​

BEYOND RED TAPE: Powering Progress of How SMEs
are Driving Inclusive Growth in the Philippines​

The Philippine economy faces ongoing difficulties in spite of its celebrated resiliency and consistent development. The nation’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are an essential but frequently disregarded sector at the core of a more liberal and successful future, ensuring that its advancement translates into widespread wealth for all inhabitants. These enterprises are the real forces behind inclusive growth and far more than just economic contributors, but the very structure that is meant to support them often stifles their enormous potential. [EASE PH was created to initiate competitive operations under the “Bagong Pilipinas” brand aiming to reinvent the country as a prime investment destination and eliminating delays, corruption, and bureaucratic hurdles. The main mission of EASE PH is to simplify the issuance of business permits and licenses and operational protocols, engaging stakeholders, and promoting bureaucratic efficiency with a long-term goal of fostering a business-ready and investor-friendly environment.

In order to do such an action plan, one of the key programs to sort out regulatory processes is through the Operational Permit and Protocols Simplification (OPPS) Program which EASE PH will initiate and fully fund. This initiative will involve a massive review of existing regulatory processes to remove or collapse unnecessary steps. The EASE PH will work directly with ARTA and other government agencies, including local government units (LGUs), to conduct process mapping and assessments based on real-world business experiences and international best practices. This is also to push through transparency and efficiency to the government’s strategy by providing a data-driven view of how new policies are affecting the attraction to more foreign direct investment and boost economic growth.​

reaking Down Barriers: The Key to Boosting Inclusive Business
in the Philippines​

The Philippines’ business environment is riddled with difficulties, especially in the areas of public services and operational efficiency, even if its regulatory structure ranks well. According to the World Bank’s Business Readiness score, there is a clear need to close this gap and make doing business easier, particularly when it comes to starting a business.

According to the research, although the regulations appear to be good on paper, inefficiencies impede the real procedures for starting a corporation. The growth of Inclusive Businesses (IBs), or companies aimed at low-income communities, is significantly hampered by this. These companies need an easy and predictable route to lawful operation in order to prosper.

This analysis’s key conclusion is that the government cannot solve these problems on its own. A collaborative approach is necessary due to the complexity of the difficulties, which range from lowering redundant requirements and processing delays to simplifying bureaucratic stages. To speed up changes and establish a climate in which all firms, particularly those with a social impact, may thrive, initiatives that close the gap between the public and private sectors are crucial. This collaboration is essential to the Philippines’ transition to a more resilient and just economy.
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Charting the Course: A Whole-of-Society Approach to a Business-Friendly Philippines​

Achieving a truly business-friendly Philippines requires more than just good intentions; it demands a strategic, inclusive, and collaborative blueprint. The path forward is a “whole-of-society” approach, uniting key voices from all sectors to dismantle long-standing barriers to economic growth.

At the core of this effort is the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the primary government agency tasked with ensuring the ease of doing business. The strategy is to empower ARTA by connecting it directly with the nation’s most impactful stakeholders. This includes holding comprehensive consultations with leaders of organizations that are top contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employment.

Equally critical is the transfer of knowledge from successful global models. By engaging with ambassadors from countries ranked highly for their ease of doing business, the Philippines can gain valuable insights and emulate the best practices that have proven effective elsewhere.

The first major step in this blueprint is a systematic review of regulatory processes, beginning with the Operational Permits and Protocols Simplification (OPPS) program. This focused review, with a key event scheduled for September 30, will serve as a foundational moment for all future reforms. The ultimate goal of these consultations and reviews is to produce a consolidated set of recommendations and resolutions. This body of work will be presented to the President and relevant government agencies in the form of an Executive Order, position paper, legislative agenda, and other necessary documents, ensuring a clear and actionable path forward.
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ARTA and EASE PH Join Forces to Streamline Business Processes​

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is partnering with the Private Sector Ease of Doing Business Foundation, Inc. (EASE PH) in a collaborative effort to simplify government regulations and improve the business environment in the Philippines. The partnership, which is part of the larger Buklod Bayani Coalition (BBC), aims to accelerate reforms by combining the government’s mandate with the private sector’s resources and expertise.

ARTA will serve as the primary government partner, officially recognizing EASE PH as the lead private sector convener for this initiative. This will empower EASE PH to mobilize funding and support from various NGOs and business organizations across the country. EASE PH will, in turn, provide valuable insights and assistance to ARTA, helping to optimize and streamline complex government processes.

Together, the two entities will work to establish local-level partnerships, conduct public awareness campaigns, and develop sector-specific programs. The partnership is committed to a continuous assessment of its progress, ensuring that reforms are effective and sustainable from the local to the national level.
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