What is the Anti-Red Tape Act (RA 9485)?

RA 9485 is the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, a Philippine law that aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape by setting processing time limits (5 days for simple, 10 days for complex transactions), requiring a Citizen's Charter in all government offices, and penalizing fixers and non-compliant officials.

What is the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032)?

RA 11032 is the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. It amended and strengthened RA 9485 by introducing shorter processing times (3 days simple, 7 days complex, 20 days highly technical), creating the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and establishing a Zero Contact Policy.

What are the processing time limits under RA 11032?

Under RA 11032: Simple transactions must be completed within 3 working days, complex transactions within 7 working days, and highly technical transactions within 20 working days. This is stricter than RA 9485 which allowed 5 days for simple and 10 days for complex transactions.

What is the difference between RA 9485 and RA 11032?

RA 11032 amended RA 9485 with key improvements: shorter processing times (3/7/20 days vs 5/10 days), created the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), introduced a Zero Contact Policy, added a 'highly technical' transaction category, reduced maximum signatories from 5 to 3, and expanded coverage to include Philippine embassies and consulates abroad.

RA 9485 & RA 11032 Summary: Anti-Red Tape Act and Ease of Doing Business Act

CivPasser AI Editorial Team

Reviewed against official Philippine statutes and CSC issuances

Last updated: April 1, 2026Sources: Official Gazette, CSC issuances, Philippine statutes

Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) and Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) are two landmark Philippine laws aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape in government. RA 11032 amended and strengthened RA 9485, introducing stricter processing times, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and a Zero Contact Policy. Both laws are frequently tested in the General Information section of the Civil Service Exam.

CSE Tip: Exam questions often test the specific processing time limits and differences between RA 9485 and RA 11032. Pay close attention to the numbers — they are commonly confused.

RA 9485: Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007

RA 9485 was signed into law on June 2, 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It was the first Philippine law to set minimum service standards for government frontline services, aiming to reduce red tape, prevent graft and corruption, and improve the delivery of government services to the public.

Key Provisions of RA 9485

Processing Time Limits

Simple transactions: 5 working days
Complex transactions: 10 working days

Citizen's Charter

All government offices providing frontline services must prepare and display a Citizen's Charter outlining their procedures, service standards, processing times, and required documents.

Limit on Signatories

Maximum of 5 signatories for any given transaction.

Automatic Extension of Permits

If a government office fails to act on an application for renewal within the prescribed period, the permit, license, or authority is automatically extended until a decision is rendered (except for activities posing danger to public health, safety, or morals).

Report Card Survey

The Civil Service Commission conducts Report Card Surveys to obtain feedback on how the Citizen's Charter is being followed, including information on hidden costs, bribes, and fixers.

Penalties Under RA 9485

Administrative Penalties for Government Officials

Light offenses: 1st offense — 30-day suspension; 2nd offense — 3-month suspension; 3rd offense — dismissal
Grave offenses: 1st offense — dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office

Penalties for Fixers

Imprisonment not exceeding 6 years, or a fine of not less than ₱20,000 but not more than ₱200,000, or both.

A "fixer" is any person who facilitates speedy completion of government transactions for pecuniary gain, whether or not officially involved in the government office.

RA 11032: Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018

RA 11032 was signed into law on May 28, 2018 by President Rodrigo Duterte. It amended and strengthened RA 9485, introducing significant improvements to government service delivery, stricter processing times, and a dedicated enforcement body.

Key Improvements Over RA 9485

Shorter Processing Times

Simple transactions: 3 working days (was 5 under RA 9485)
Complex transactions: 7 working days (was 10 under RA 9485)
Highly technical transactions: 20 working days (new category)

Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)

Created ARTA as a dedicated government body under the Office of the President to ensure compliance with ease of doing business reforms. RA 9485 relied on existing agencies like the CSC for enforcement.

Zero Contact Policy

Limits interactions between applicants and government employees to only the official submission and receipt of documents. This eliminates opportunities for corruption or "under-the-table" transactions.

Reduced Signatories

Maximum of 3 signatories per transaction (reduced from 5 under RA 9485).

Expanded Coverage

Now covers all government offices including Philippine embassies and consulates abroad. RA 9485 was limited to domestic frontline services.

Central Business Portal & Business One-Stop Shops

Mandates the creation of a Central Business Portal (CBP) for online transactions and Business One-Stop Shops (BOSS) in LGUs for streamlined business permit processing.

Penalties Under RA 11032

First offense: 6-month suspension
Second offense: Dismissal from service, forfeiture of benefits, and criminal liability including imprisonment of 1 to 6 years

RA 9485 vs. RA 11032: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	RA 9485 (2007)	RA 11032 (2018)
Simple transactions	5 working days	3 working days
Complex transactions	10 working days	7 working days
Highly technical	Not defined	20 working days
Max signatories	5	3
Enforcement body	CSC, Ombudsman	ARTA (new)
Zero Contact Policy	None	Yes
Coverage	Domestic frontline	All offices + embassies
Business portal	None	Central Business Portal

CSE Tip: Remember the processing times with this pattern: RA 11032 uses 3-7-20 days (simple-complex-highly technical). RA 9485 used 5-10 days. Also remember: RA 11032 reduced max signatories from 5 to 3 and created ARTA.

Key Concepts for the CSE

What is a "Fixer"?

Any person — whether or not officially involved in a government office — who facilitates speedy completion of government transactions for pecuniary gain or any other advantage. Penalty: imprisonment up to 6 years or fine of ₱20,000-₱200,000, or both.

What is the Citizen's Charter?

A document that every government office must prepare and display publicly. It lists all frontline services, step-by-step procedures, required documents, processing times, fees, and the person responsible for each step. Both RA 9485 and RA 11032 require this.

What is ARTA?

The Anti-Red Tape Authority, created by RA 11032, is a government body attached to the Office of the President. It monitors compliance with the Ease of Doing Business Act, investigates complaints, and recommends penalties against non-compliant officials and offices.

Disclaimer: This article is for CSE review purposes only. For the full text of these laws, visit the Official Gazette (RA 9485) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (RA 11032). CivPasser AI is not affiliated with the Civil Service Commission.

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