QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 386)
It is based on Section 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all transactions involving public interest, subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law.
Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007). Its objective is to promote transparency in each agency’s manner of transacting with the public to reduce red tape and expedite transactions in government.
Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), specifically Section 5(a), which requires public officials/employees to respond within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of letters, telegrams, or other communications from the public.
Within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof.
It directs all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or-controlled corporations, performing frontline services as defined in RA No. 9485 to respond within the stated period.
It defines frontline services as the process or transaction between clients and government offices/agencies involving applications for any privilege, right, permit, reward, license, concession, or modification/renewal/extension of the enumerated applications/requests, acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the agency.
It emphasizes transparency and accountability, strengthens the people’s channel of communication with government, and fosters responsive, service-oriented government agencies to reduce red tape and improve public service.
It means the 15-day deadline is a default; if another law or issuance prescribes a shorter response period for certain requests, that shorter period governs.
The Circular states “within fifteen (15) days.” While RA 6713 uses “fifteen (15) working days,” the Memorandum Circular itself uses “days.” In application, students should reconcile the provisions and note that the Circular’s exact wording is “days,” subject to interpretation and any controlling specific law for the agency/request.
Requests and concerns arising from frontline services—i.e., transactions involving applications for privileges/rights/permits/licenses/concessions and their modification, renewal, or extension—acted upon in the ordinary course of business.
Section 5(a) of RA 6713 requires that the reply contain the action taken on the request.
It was signed by Salvador C. Medialdea, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President.
It states that the Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.
The Circular expressly cites RA 6713’s requirement that public officials respond within fifteen (15) working days and that the response must include the action taken, using that ethical duty as a foundational basis for the administrative directive.
The constitutional policy of full public disclosure and the related governmental goal of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the public—implemented through anti-red tape measures and ethical standards for government conduct.
Yes, if the permit application falls under “frontline services” as defined (i.e., it is an application for a permit/privilege/license/concession, or its modification/renewal/extension acted upon in the ordinary course of business). The agency should respond within the 15-day period, unless a shorter period is prescribed by other laws/issuances.