MANILA, Philippines?The Manila city government has reduced the processing period for the issuance of building permits to three days.

Under the previous regulations, permits were issued within a 15-day period, depending on how soon the applicant were able to submit the required documents.

Mayor Alfredo Lim has directed city building officer engineer Melvin Balagot, city planning chief Rodolfo Catu and other concerned units of City Hall to shorten the period within which the applicants may be able to get the documents needed in securing permits from their respective offices.

But Balagot clarified that the three-day period applies only to those who have produced all the necessary requirements, including the required regulatory fees.

The city building office issues building permits covering the structural, plumbing, sidewalk and architectural aspects cited in the application forms.

Balagot added that he was mulling over the idea of putting up a one-stop-shop where all the requirements could be processed more quickly.

He said the move was aimed at boosting the local government?s efforts to attract investors in the city by providing them with all the conveniences possible for business transactions.