Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri. Senate PRIB file photo / Albert Calvelo
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri appealed to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday for a dialogue regarding the anti-red tape law.
In a press briefing, Zubiri was asked for his reaction to Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ push to repeal the Anti-Red Tape law.
“Kaibigan ko si Ombudsman Martires and ang gusto po sana namin mangyari ay magkaroon po tayo ng dialogue as authors of the measure with the Office of the Ombudsman para malaman niya ang pinanggalingan nitong Arta (Anti-Red Tape Authority) Ease of Doing Business Law,” the Senate President answered.
(Ombudsman Martires is my friend and we want to have a dialogue, as authors of the measure, with the Office of the Ombudsman for him to know how the Arta Ease of Doing Business Law emerged.)
“Clearly, my personal opinion, if we repeal the law, it is 1,000 steps to the wrong direction. Pabaliktad tayo. Ibig sabihin niyan hindi na po matatakot ‘yung mga ahensya na sabihin sa’yo: ‘Bumalik ka na sa susunod na buwan. Ayoko sa’yo. Hindi ko type mukha mo,’” he added.
(It is backward. Agencies will not be afraid to tell you: “Return next month. I don’t like you. I don’t like your face.”)
According to Zubiri, the law is needed, especially now that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is promoting the Philippines for foreign direct investments.
He explained that other nations might prefer to invest in other governments, should the Philippines repeal its Ease of Doing Business law, which amended the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.
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