TACLOBAN CITY — A measure seeking to fast-track government transactions for micro businesses and reduce regulatory bottlenecks has gained strong backing from lawmakers and government agencies during deliberations in the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 601, authored by Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, was endorsed by members of the House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development during discussions held on May 26.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Micro Business Enterprise Green Lane Act,” aims to establish dedicated “green lanes” in government offices to expedite the processing of permits, licenses, registrations, and compliance requirements for micro enterprises.
Under the measure, qualified micro businesses would be provided with a streamlined pathway for government transactions, reducing waiting times, minimizing documentary requirements, and facilitating coordination among agencies involved in business registration and regulation.
The concept of a “green lane” is similar to priority processing systems used in airports and government service centers, where applications are handled through a simplified and accelerated process.
Advocates of the bill say such a mechanism would help small entrepreneurs navigate government procedures more efficiently and lower the cost of doing business.
The proposal comes as many MSMEs continue to face challenges in securing permits and complying with various national and local government requirements. Business owners often have to deal with multiple agencies, lengthy processing periods, and repetitive documentary submissions before they can start or expand operations.
According to government data, MSMEs account for more than 99 percent of business establishments in the country and generate a significant share of employment. Despite their contribution to the economy, many small enterprises struggle with regulatory compliance due to limited financial and administrative resources.
Among those who expressed support to the measures was Representative Anna Marlesa Hofer-Hasim of the second district of Zamboanga Sibugay emphasized the importance of easing bureaucratic burdens on entrepreneurs.
She noted that the measure could help stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs, and strengthen local economies, particularly in rural communities where small businesses serve as important sources of livelihood.
For his part, Ongchuan said the bill is intended to remove unnecessary red tape that often discourages entrepreneurship and limits business growth.
He said that by simplifying government transactions, entrepreneurs would be able to devote more time and resources to expanding their operations, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to local economic development.
If enacted into law, House Bill No. 601 is expected to complement the government’s broader ease-of-doing-business initiatives by providing a more efficient regulatory environment specifically tailored to the needs of micro enterprises.
Supporters of the measure believe the proposed green lane system could improve business productivity, encourage the formalization of small enterprises, and generate greater economic opportunities in communities across the country.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
