MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Congress to eliminate “redundant” functions and offices under the executive branch.

In his budget message, Duterte said he wants lawmakers to file and work on the passage of the “Streamlining the Government Act” that would:

• Empower the executive branch to conduct a comprehensive review of its functions and organizational structure
• Merge or abolish agencies
• Implement other measures to improve the efficiency of operations and enhanced delivery services
• Provide “reasonable” separation packages for employees who would be affected by the government rightsizing 

The President said that the number of government departments, agencies, and other offices rose to 186 at present from 176 in 2000, while positions in government had swelled to about 1.5 million, up by 400,000.

“Indeed, the bureaucracy has expanded according to the number of citizens to be served: in particular, the creation of more teachers, policemen, and other population-based positions. Even so, we cannot deny that there is fat in government that we must trim,” said Duterte.

According to him, the government bureaucracy must be “lean, clean, and nimble” to address the people’s needs.

Duterte’s campaign promises include reducing red tape in government. He already directed Cabinet secretaries to ensure their agencies process documents requiring only 3 to 5 signatures in one month. (READ: Duterte to Cabinet: Process permits in 30 days or we part ways) 

“Thus, since the start of my term, I directed government agencies to streamline and automate frontline and business processes, establish one-stop government centers, and review their respective organizations,” said the President. 

The Department of Labor and Employment already opened the first one-stop service center for overseas Filipino workers in response to Duterte’s order to streamline government services. – Rappler.com