PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 44 directing all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCS), to respond to all public requests and concerns within 15 days.
Mr. Duterte and Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea signed the memorandum in Manila on May 4, according to a certified copy of the document released to the Palace reporters on Monday, May 7.
The purpose of the memorandum is to foster “transparency and accountability” among government agencies.
“The State shall provide the means to strengthen the people’s channel of communication to the government by promoting and emphasizing the importance of responsive and service-oriented government agencies and instrumentalities,” the MC explains.
The President’s memorandum also cites Republic Act (RA) No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which provides that the State shall take appropriate measures to promote transparency in each agency with regard to the manner of transacting with the public, with the objective of reducing red tape and expediting transactions in government.
The MC, therefore, directs all agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs performing frontline services as so defined by the circular, to respond to all public requests and concerns within fifteen (15) days, unless a shorter period is provided under applicable laws and issuances.
The memorandum “takes effect immediately.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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