JV Ejercito to ARTA: Be proactive in handling complaints
November 16, 2023
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito urged the
Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to be proactive in handling cases, not just
relying on filed complaints.
“I would like to ask for their commitment not
only to wait for complaints to be filed in their office, but also initiate
inquiries themselves, if possible,” Ejercito said during the budget
deliberations of the proposed 2024 budget of ARTA in the Senate on Wednesday,
Nov. 15.
“There’s a significant increase in the budget
of ARTA from the NEP (National Expenditure Program) to the GAB (General
Appropriations Bill) amounting to P200 million. I’m hoping that they will be
more proactive this time, they spend it very well,” he added.
Pointing out the challenges they face against
powerful individuals, Ejercito noted that there are currently 12 employees in
San Juan who are yet to receive their terminal leave benefit nearly four years
after their retirement in 2019.
“It may be parochial, but again it may happen
everywhere. Because of the ugly head of politics this may happen to people who
deserve to get what is due to them. Nakakalungkot po ito,” he said.
“Maaring ito ay maliit na halaga para sa mga
tulad ng Mayor namin, pero ito ay pera na pinaghirapan ng mga nasabing
empleyado. Pera po nila ‘yan. Malaki maitutulong sana pambili ng gamot at iba
pang gastusin ng mga taong nag-retiro,” he added.
The lawmaker from San Juan called for support
from ARTA and other agencies to assist these employees. “I’m hoping that they
will still assist, even the Civil Service Commission, the ARTA, would help
these 12 employees who served them, who served San Juan very well.”
“It just so happened na kami po ang nakaupo
siguro at that time, but they served the city very well, and what we are
enjoying right now as a city, it is one of the most progressive.”
Despite the positive acknowledgment of ARTA's
99% case resolution rate, he reminded them to prioritize the rights of ordinary
citizens. “A reminder that those who have less in life, should have more in
law.”
During the Senate Finance Subcommittee “H”
meeting on Oct. 11, Ejercito shared his disappointment in not receiving a
response to his letter dated March 7, 2023 which was sent to ARTA. Despite his
position as a senator, his letter went unanswered for six months.
“What if an ordinary person writes them? Baka
mas lalong hindi nila pansinin, and I hope it does not happen again.”
