Taguig goes online in tracking city transactions

MANILA, Philippines – The Taguig city government has set up an online transaction monitoring system in its aggressive drive to attract more investors by cutting red tape and staking a claim as one of the country’s most business-friendly local government.

In a statement, Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano said the city government recently completed the roll-out of the Taguig Tracking Device System (TTDS), which she described as a means for people to monitor the flow of transactions at City Hall.

“We believe that getting rid of the red tape will attract continued investment,” she said. “We assure our investors that we are ready to meet their demands and we will make it easier for them to put up and maintain their business in our city.”

Cayetano said the new system at the City Hall was adopted from Malaybalay City in Bukidnon where the roll-out of the monitor was proven successful. The Taguig mayor hopes their adoption of the system would augur well for the city.

Basically, the TTDS tracks down the progress of licenses and permits applications, which City Hall is processing. With a click of a button, users can monitor the status of their papers.

The system was developed to suit the needs of investors in Taguig, which the local government projects as an emerging financial center ready to improve efficiency in completing transactions and releasing documents.

Applicants with pending papers would be immediately sent an alert informing them of delays, the mayor explained. The automated system would also require applicants to submit all requirements every step of the way before the release of their permits or licenses.

Those who have completely complied with the requirements could expect their papers to go through concerned offices smoothly “as each station has a specific time allocation to act on the transaction, otherwise, the system will send out an alert for delayed processing,” Cayetano said.

The TTDS could also give a fair estimate on how long the processing would take, she added.

Putting up the TTDS was an offshoot of consultations done with businessmen and residents, according to the mayor.

“We are serious in eradicating red tape and under the-table transactions. I would like to show the people that I am truly sincere in implementing this reform,” she said.