regulatory impact assessment (ria) guidelines - It's More Fun in the ...

PHILIPPINES - REGULATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (RIA) GUIDELINES
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION AND FINALISATION
3. STEPS IN THE RIA PROCESS
4.1 Step 1: Determining that the Regulation is Required
It is critical to establish what is the problem/s, and the significance and risks that arise from the problem. For example, the problem/s may be
related to:
• Public health and safety
• Environmental protection and conservation
• Free market competition and equitable allocation of resources
• Reliable information and statistics for policy and strategic development
• International agreements (eg., ASEAN and WTO)
In defining the problem, identify the issues that need addressing, causes, current effects, who is affected and the risks and outcomes likely to
result if no action is taken.
Also identify any existing regulations related to the problem/s and why they are not addressing the problem/s.
In defining the objective in taking government action, it is important that the objective/s is expressed in terms of what is to be achieved
(outcomes and outputs) rather than how the objective is to be achieved. Any constraints on the objectives should be identified.
In identifying possible options to address the problem, both non-regulatory and regulatory approaches should be considered. Non-regulatory
options include approaches such as simply providing information, public awareness campaigns and self-regulation (eg., by industry groups).
Regulatory options include revising or removing existing regulation that may be causing the problem. Options to consider in addressing the
problem include the current level of regulation including no regulation. The appropriate form of regulation to apply will vary depending upon
the problem being addressed.
In assessing the different options, it is useful to consider any budget or time constraints in addressing the problem, consistency with other
regulations, and feedback and comments from relevant stakeholders.
If regulation is not required, then there is no further RIA system requirement.
Version 4.0 23 July 2012 DRAFT Page 15/24