On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, during the weekly “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” forum, distinguished guests including Secretary Ernesto Perez, the Director-General of ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority), PCCI President George Barcelona, Roberto Alvarez, Chairman of Buklod Bayani, engaged in an open discussion with the media, addressing concerns related to government corruption.
Former Senator Joey Lina and former Press Secretary Sonny Coloma skillfully guided the forum, delving into the strategies and efforts put forth by ARTA to combat and diminish corruption. They explored whether ARTA could reverse the Philippines’ downward trajectory in the Global Corruption Perception Index. The central pillars of ARTA’s mission, “Ease of Doing Business” and “Efficient Delivery of Government Services,” were scrutinized, and the question of ARTA’s readiness to fulfill its mandates was raised. Furthermore, the forum explored ways in which the business sector could collaborate and bolster ARTA’s endeavors.
Photographs from the forum capture pivotal moments when the featured guests fielded questions from the media, shedding light on ARTA’s role in reversing the Global Corruption Index, enhancing the ease of doing business, and optimizing the efficiency of government services. The discussion also encompassed the ways in which the business sector could extend its support to ARTA.
(Report & photo by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
