Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 Overview

Applies to all government offices, agencies, local government units, and government-owned or controlled corporations providing frontline services
Excludes entities performing judicial, quasi-judicial, and legislative functions

Simple Transactions: Require only ministerial actions or involve inconsequential issues
Complex Transactions: Require discretion to resolve complicated issues
Frontline Services: Transactions involving applications for privileges, rights, permits, licenses, or modifications thereof
Action: Written approval or disapproval on requests
Officer or Employee: Person performing duties related to requests
Irrelevant Requirement: Documents or acts not material to issue resolution
Fixer: Individual facilitating transactions for illicit gain

Government agencies must conduct time and motion studies
Continuous evaluation and improvement of transaction systems to reduce bureaucratic delays
Re-engineering of processes mandated where necessary

Mandatory acceptance of written applications and requests
Acknowledgment of receipt with officer’s name, unit, date and time
Preliminary assessment to expedite action
Action on applications within 5 working days (simple) or 10 working days (complex), subject to extensions under unusual circumstances
Written notices required for disapprovals stating grounds and missing requirements
Denials must be explained in writing with reason and name of denying officer
Limit of five signatories on any document
Working schedules to ensure clients within premises before closing are served, including during lunch and after hours
Mandatory wearing of ID cards by employees dealing with the public
Establishment of public assistance/complaints desks

If renewal applications are not acted upon within the prescribed period, permits/licenses are automatically extended
Exception applies to licenses affecting public health, safety, morals, or policy (e.g., natural resource extraction)

Conducted by Civil Service Commission with Development Academy of the Philippines
Measures agency compliance with Citizen's Charter provisions
Collects data on hidden costs such as bribes and fixer payments
Agencies must incorporate survey results in annual reports

Light Offenses: Include refusal to accept applications, failure to act timely, failure to serve clients before closing/lunch break, failure to notify disapproval, imposing irrelevant requirements
Penalties for Light Offenses:
- 1st offense: 30-day suspension without pay + values orientation
- 2nd offense: 3-month suspension without pay
- 3rd offense: Dismissal and perpetual disqualification
Grave Offenses: Fixing or collusion with fixers for gain
Penalty for Grave Offenses: Dismissal and perpetual disqualification

Administrative liability under this Act does not prevent filing of criminal, civil, or related charges for same acts

Cases tried by Civil Service Commission, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, or Office of the Ombudsman as per applicable laws

Voluntary informants/testifiers may be granted immunity from prosecution
Conditions for immunity include necessity, corroboration, no prior moral turpitude convictions, and not being the most guilty
Denial of immunity renders statements inadmissible

Civil Service Commission, in coordination with relevant agencies, to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days of effectivity