a) Enforce full compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act including the formulation, adoption and effective implementation of Citizen's Charters in all government agencies and LGUs. In line with the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 (RA 9485), all government entities with frontline services shall have developed their Citizen's Charter which serve as a service charter or pledge that describes the step-by-step procedure for availing of a particular service, and the guaranteed performance level that the public may expect for that service. Information such as procedures to avail of the service, responsible person/office, processing time, documentary requirements, applicable fees or charges, and procedures for filing complaints are reflected in the CC. Despite the September 2009 deadline set by ARTA, more than a thousand entities, particularly local governments, still have to comply with the law. ARTA mandates the review and reengineering of frontline services to cut red tape and enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of public services. It requires the formulation and publication of CCs and the establishment of Public Assistance Desks to receive feedback and handle complaints from the transacting public. In order to remain responsive to the need of citizens, agencies must continually improve their systems and standards through the publication and implementation of Citizens' Charters, Citizens Feedback Surveys, and Transactions Reengineering.
b) Create a single website/portal for government information. To facilitate access to government information and services, a common website/portal should be established where citizens can obtain vital information and services from different government agencies. This portal should also serve as a channel for citizens to report incidents or provide feedback on the performance of government agencies, including complaints against erring officials and employees.
LGUs must develop and expand the e-governance services available on their websites, from providing general information to discharging routine transactions, and encourage transparency by making information on budgets and procurement available. A common basic template should be followed by all LGUs so that a minimum set of common information and services is provided on their portals.
The government will set up a communication plan. Through faster communications technology, bureaucracies must be able to adopt and evolve into listening and communicating organizations. Press officers and official spokespersons will be adequately equipped to counter negative or malicious information and to constructively engage media partners. A simple yet comprehensive communication plan is a cornerstone of getting the message of governance across.
c) Pursue the passage of a Freedom of Information Act. A law on freedom of information is a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance. Its intent is to provide the citizenry, especially media, with access to information pertaining to all transactions and communications that are of legitimate public interest. Its existence should encourage probity and prudence in all national and local government negotiations relating to loans, treaties, service contracts, and similar transactions. It also seeks to protect the civil rights of law-abiding citizens and organizations against potential abuses of government's police and intelligence-gathering powers (already partly affirmed through the writ of amparo). A future law must stipulate how these aims are to be achieved maximally while recognizing the state's legitimate right to reserve information affecting national security.