The Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), the government’s central helpline against red tape, is expanding to accommodate complaints on extortion (kotong) and bribery (suhol) from micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) through its text messaging hotline 0908-881-6565. 

This was announced today by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), project owner of the CCB, during the launch of WASAK or “Walang Asenso sa Kotong“ project in Quezon City. 

Initiated by the Office of Senator Bam Aquino in collaboration with government agencies and private groups, WASAK seeks to provide necessary and timely assistance to business-related concerns in support of the implementation of Republic Act No. 9485, also known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007. 

Under the project, the CCB will serve as the feedback mechanism through which MSMEs can air out their complaints on red tape, kotong, and suhol, and report government personnel or agencies that cause undue delays in business transactions and projects. The CSC and other partner agencies will ensure that complaints are addressed promptly, and that proper disciplinary action is imposed on government officials and employees involved. 

“We are honored to lend our support to the WASAK campaign through the Contact Center ng Bayan, and be of help to MSMEs and the improvement of our country’s business and economic climate,“ CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said. 

Chair Duque also lauded the Office of Senator Bam Aquino for initiating the project, and the partner agencies and private groups for their commitment. “With all of us involved in this endeavor, I am confident that we could make a difference and strengthen the implementation of ARTA even further,“ he said. 

Aside from CSC, partners of the WASAK campaign include the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Competitiveness Council, Bantay.ph, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.