Why do we have to step outside just to photocopy documents at a government office?
Why do so many government offices have no copier or scanner that people submitting documents can use?
Honestly, it's such a hassle. The line is huge, and then suddenly they tell you to go outside to copy a required document and come back afterward. And you end up spending extra money over one simple piece of paper.
I understand that every agency has budget constraints, procurement procedures, and policies, but is it really that hard to offer free copying for everyone?
Not everyone who comes to a government office has spare cash or the time to go hunting for a print shop. Some people travel from remote barangays just to process a single document. There are seniors, persons with disabilities, and people whose budgets are already tight who have to spend more because of an unexpected missing document.
I wish there were at least a free copy and scan corner. Public service is supposed to make things easier for citizens, not pile unnecessary inconvenience on top of an already exhausting process. Sigh...
The real question is why we still need paper and photocopies in 2026.
IMO, offering free copies to citizens inside a government office is one of those processes where it's hard to put a number on how much stock you'd need to buy. You'd end up overestimating, and it would also become an entry point for corruption. The real big problems are these: 1. The copy prices outside are a rip-off. 2. Even after you've already filled in everything on the online portal, they still ask you to submit documents you copied with your own money. IMO, if there's an online portal, printing documents for filing and submission should be on them, and they shouldn't push the cost onto citizens. The government is a public service, so it should serve the people better.
Honestly, as a government frontline employee, if a client doesn't have copies of the required documents, I just make the copies or printouts myself. It's too much hassle for clients to line up and spend money outside. Even when it's not part of our job, if someone asks for a copy or printout, I just do it, even when the copy shop is closed. It's paid for by taxes anyway.
I was once at SSS taking care of something, and it was already closing time and I was the last customer. They said I needed a copy of a document, but the copy shops outside were already closed. The teller looked at my document for a few seconds, told me not to worry, and said she'd take care of it. She made the copy on the copier behind the counter. I don't understand why they don't just make it a policy that if the office has the equipment, they handle it themselves. It shouldn't depend on whether the teller feels like helping or not. Banks just handle copying documents on their own.
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