IN our work to streamline government services, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) found that one choke point when it comes to processing applications and requests was the number of documentary requirements and signatures needed. Numerous papers have to be passed around and signed by a handful of key persons, which means that it could take days before the transaction could be completed. With the interconnectivity that modern technology provides, this could be done faster and more efficiently through the use of electronic documents and digital signatures.

The ARTA has long been pushing for the use of digital signatures in government practice, especially now when there was an urgent need for automated solutions as to not hamper the delivery of public service amid the pandemic. In fact, the authority has been aiming to be the first paperless agency in the country by shifting from manual to digital documentations.