Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said the continuous online interconnectivity of different agencies involved in the PBR project and the addition of new functions and features are currently undergoing final phase of completion.

“I did not get any news from them earlier this week that there is something wrong so I assume it is running well,” Domingo said.

Domingo did not give an actual date for launch but he is hoping that the PBR will be rolled out–and operational—before President Aquino’s second State of the Nation Address on July 25.

The PBR is one of the programs of the Aquino administration intended to ease business incorporation process in the Philippines.

Guillermo Luz, cochair of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), said the current tests are intended to ensure there will be no chinks in its operation once it goes on line.

“It will reduce the number of steps in incorporating a business by automating the process. Now you have to visit at least five government agencies to register your business. The PBR will allow new businesses to just go online and do minimal manual operations. So this will be good for business and our competitiveness as an investment destination,” Luz said.

(Max de Leon)