Streamlined process for infra permits gains ground

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) on Monday said the implementing rules and regulations for the presidential order aimed at streamlining the permitting process for the government’s priority infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by June 10.

Arta Secretary Ernesto Perez gave this timeline, saying that the concerned government agencies have been meeting regularly to comply with the 30-day deadline as given in Executive Order (EO) No. 59 signed last April 30.

“What we’re doing is we’re meeting with concerned government agencies regularly, at least once a week, if not twice a week to be able to meet the deadline,” Perez told reporters during a press conference.

“So by June 10, next month, we should be able to finalize already the implementing guidelines for the approval by heads of agencies concerned, and for submission to the president so we can meet the deadline,” he added.

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President Marcos had ordered the streamlining of the permitting process for 185 infrastructure flagship projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority under the Marcos administration’s P9.14-trillion Build Better More Program.

Infrastructure projects

Under the four-page order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the President said there was a need to expand and update the Philippines’ infrastructure to achieve “meaningful economic transformation.”

The EO covers all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and other government entities, and local government units involved in issuing licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations required for the approved list of infrastructure projects.

The President said that no other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of these projects except for several that were mentioned.

These include the Environmental Compliance Certificate/Certificate of Non-Coverage issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Building Permit/Occupational Permit/Certificate of Occupancy issued by the city or municipal building official, Excavation Permit issued by the concerned LGU, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways and/or the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws. —Alden M. Monzon INQ