Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 44)
The main purpose of Memorandum Circular No. 44 is to direct all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, to respond to all public requests and concerns within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof.
Section 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which provides for the State's adoption and implementation of a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law.
Republic Act No. 9485 is the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. It requires the State to promote transparency in each agency with regard to public transactions to reduce red tape and expedite government transactions.
Section 5(a) of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires public officials and employees to respond to letters, telegrams, or other communications from the public within fifteen (15) working days.
Frontline services are defined as any process or transaction between clients and government offices involving applications for privileges, rights, permits, rewards, licenses, concessions, or for modifications, renewals, or extensions of these, which are acted upon as part of the ordinary course of business.
Government agencies must respond within fifteen (15) days from receipt of public requests or concerns, unless a shorter period is provided by applicable laws or issuances.
It applies to all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, that perform frontline services as defined under RA No. 9485.
Yes, if there are applicable laws or issuances that provide for a shorter response period, such shorter periods shall apply.
This requirement ensures that public officials and agencies are responsive and accountable to the public by giving timely replies containing the action taken on their requests or communications.
The Memorandum Circular took effect immediately upon issuance on May 4, 2018.