PH Gears Up for Improved Business climate with PPP Benchmarks on 2024 B-READY Rrport

Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto V. Perez underscored the importance of a whole-of-nation approach and active participation of the private sector in addressing areas for improvement identified in the 2024 World Bank Group (WBG) Business Ready (B-READY) report. This was highlighted during the ARTA and WBG joint forum titled 'New Insights on the Philippine Business Environment: Exploring the World Bank Business Ready Report' on 03 February 2025, at the Quezon City Hall's Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibits (MICE) Center. 

"To be able to implement those maximum reforms [in the Philippine business environment], we need the support of the private sector because we all know that the primary driver of economic growth is really the private sector," ARTA Secretary Perez said.  

The ARTA and WBG joint forum convened top economists, policymakers, researchers, and business leaders for in-depth discussions focused on policies and services that could help in nurturing a more business-friendly environment and eventually maximize economic potential in the Philippines. Launched in the Philippines, this forum is part of the WBG global series of events internationally to discuss the 2024 B-READY report. 

*PH B-READY report shines in regulatory framework* 

WBG Global Indicators Group Director Norman Loayza discussed the background of the B-READY report, as well as the Philippines' 2024 B-READY report data. During his talk, he highlighted that the Philippines has a good regulatory framework, a set of rules or practices that governs how businesses operate. However, the Philippines must double its efforts in public services—the quality of services offered by the government—and operational efficiency—the ability of a government to maximize its output. 

As a response, Secretary Perez said that the Philippines is now focusing on the implementation of the regulations that have been crafted and passed on previous years; that is why they are more optimistic in the next results of the B-READY report. 

"Once these are fully implemented, we are able to follow, and we get all the support under a whole-of-nation approach; there is no reason why we are not able to reach our target," ARTA Chief said. 

"We would like to target high, with proper coordination, collaboration with the World Bank Group that is continuously guiding us in order to put into effect the plans we have in the reform guidebook. We will be able to reach the target by 2026," he added.  

The B-READY report offers a comprehensive assessment of the business environment in participating economies, including detailed data and insights that will serve as a reference for policymakers to improve regulations fostering a more business-friendly environment. In October 3, 2024, the WBG released its pilot 2024 B-READY report, composed of 50 global economies, including the Philippines. 

*PH and its effort to address areas of improvement in 2024 B-READY report* 

As the government focal point tasked by the President to lead the WBG B-READY report, ARTA Secretary presented the Philippines initiatives to improve the business environment. He highlighted the Philippines 2025 Reform Guidebook, which will serve as a reference for the government and private sector in navigating the areas covered in the 2024 WBG B-READY report.  

Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of the B-READY task force, chaired by ARTA with the Department of Finance (DOF) as vice chair. Other government offices included are the Office of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), while the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) represent the private sector group. 

*Collective optimism for more business friendly environment*  

Gracing the event, Quezon City Mayor Josefina "Joy" Belmonte-Alimurung showcased their automated services, which have made transactions easier for citizens. 

"Our standing in the World Bank B-Ready rankings reflects the opportunities that we can seize; it is our hope that the Quezon City experience will inspire all of us here to walk in steps towards our shared dream of truly progressive Philippines," Mayor Belmonte-Alimurung said. 

PCCI International Affairs Vice President Raymund Jude Aguilar and MAP Ease of Doing Business Committee Vice Chair Ruy Moreno were also present in the joint forum to deliver private sector reactions on the 2024 WBG B-READY report of the Philippines and Philippine government ways forward. 

PCCI International Affairs VP Aguilar thanked WBG for its comprehensive 2024 B-READY, as it is significant in the reforms needed in the Philippines' business environment. 

"From the private sector, maraming salamat, thank you, for a very comprehensive and renewed business-ready report. It is definitely a wake-up call for everyone practicing business or a policy maker. This is very much needed, and it will support our initiative to attract foreign investors to come in," Mr. Aguilar said. 

Meanwhile, MAP EODB Committee Vice Chair Mr. Moreno echoed its support for the improvement of the business environment in the Philippines and underscored that it is included in their organization's 2025 priority program. 

"In line with MAP’s 2025 priority programs, particularly the focus on Ease of Doing Business and Dealing with LGUs, MAP would be pleased to help in providing the expertise of its Committees and its members in ensuring the success of the Business-Ready Reports so that the Philippines can avail of best practices from other countries, with MAP members helping in adjusting such best practices to the local environment, as needed," MAP EODB Chair said. 

WBG Operations Manager for the Philippines Dr. Dandan Chen, Ateneo de Manila University John Gokongwei School of Management Dean Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, and Department of Finance Office of the Chief Economist Assistant Secretary Neil Adrian S. Cabiles were also present to join the discussion. 

ARTA Executives including Deputy Director General for Operations Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance Undersecretary Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri, Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida, Compliance, Monitoring, and Evaluation Office (CMEO) Director Grace Fernandez, Finance and Administration Office (FAO) Director Lea-Grace B. Salcedo, Investigation, Enforcement and Litigation Office (IELO) Director Concepcion Zeny E. Ferrolino-Enad, and Legal and Public Assistance Office (LPAO) Director Leonardo O. Tapia were present.  

 *B-READY for Bagong Pilipinas*  

To transform bureaucratic red tape into a "red carpet of efficiency," as envisioned by President Marcos Jr., ARTA will implement its pro-active B-READY initiatives under the Bagong Pilipinas. This is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines, attracting more investments and creating more jobs. Ultimately, these efforts aim to boost economic growth and improve the lives of all Filipinos.