Duterte orders agencies to repond public request within 15 days

Salvador Medialdea

As part of his administration’s efforts to improve transparency and accountability, President Duterte has ordered agencies performing front-line services to respond to public requests and concerns within 15 days.

Memorandum Circular No. 44, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and released on Monday, covers agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) performing front-line services.

Republic Act No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, defines front-line services as transactions of clients involving applications for any privilege, right, permit, reward, license or concession, or its modification, renewal or extension.

The agencies and GOCCs were told to “respond to all public requests and concerns within 15 days from receipt, unless a shorter period is provided under by applicable laws and issuances.”

Reiteration

The memorandum circular is a reiteration of a provision under Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Section 5(a) of RA 6713 requires government officials and employees to reply to letters, telegrams and other communication sent by the public within 15 days.

In his 2016 inaugural speech, Mr. Duterte promised to do away with red tape and expedite the processing of government transactions.

The President directed his Cabinet members to reduce the requirements and the processing time of all applications.

“The State shall provide the means to strengthen the people’s channel of communication to the government by promoting and emphasizing the importance of responsive and service-oriented government agencies and instrumentalities, with the objective of fostering transparency and accountability,” the directive said. —Julie M. Aurelio