New DILG chief orders cutting of red tape

By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, July 4 (PNA) -- Newly installed Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno of the Department of Interor ad Local Government (DILG) immediately ordered all local government units (LGUs), police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to cut red tape in order to speed up processing of documents.

Sueno made the statement on Monday during the simple turn over ceremony at the DILG headquarters that his department will remain true to the mandate by providing LGUs with the necessary technical and financial assistance so they can become more capable of providing for the needs of their constituents.

“Business permits and licensing systems as well as other permits given by all LGUs need to be revisited and further strengthened with the assistance of DILG local government sector to leave no room and opportunities for corruption. Even the BFP should find ways to make the issuance of Fire Safely Inspection Certificates more efficient and definitely faster but without compromising the safely of business establishments and their occupants,” he explained.

He emphasized that this is likewise an important component on their efforts towards ensuring economic development flourishes in our LGUs as a way of attracting business and investment for more employment and livelihood opportunities for the people.

“This means that DILG local government sector should continue implementation programs and projects that enhance the capabilities of our LGUs in support of local autnomy and in reaching out and addressing the needs of our people especially the poor and marginalized,” Sueno said.

He said trimming down the numbers of signatories to release needed documents will speed up delivery of basic services.

“Even permits ad clearances release by police and the bureau of fire is not exempted. They too should cut red tapes immediately,” he pointed out.

He even warned concerned personnel assigned in the issuance of permits and clearances to assure that they have check, verified and inspected the subject mentioned before releasing the documents.

The new DILG insinuated that he want to end anomalies of asking favors before they release the documents needed by the concerned party.

Moreover, Sueno vowed to bring the anti-crime and illegal drugs campaign to the barangay level and involve barangay and local officials in this measure.

“A solid partnership therefore between the barangays, particularly of barangay-based institution like the barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council and barangay tanos and other force multipliers and the PNP brokered by the DILG local government sector should be forged to ensure the success of this very daunting task,” he pointed out.

The former Cotabato governor pointed out that to monitor the number of drug-affected barangay must be brought down dramatically, those peddling them should be arrested and charged in court while users must be reformed tp become productive citizen anew “and this can only be done if appropriate programs and projects ar deliberately, put in place by the DILG to address them.” (PNA)