Palace resumes processing of Metro Manila ecozone applicants

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has resumed the processing and evaluation of applicants for special economic zones in Metro Manila, which were previously excluded from a moratorium first imposed in 2019.

Administrative Order No. 11 said this second chance for special economic zone applicants is aimed at creating more jobs and improving employment opportunities in Metro Manila.

“The services sector, which includes information and communications, continues to be a reliable source of economic activity in the country and with Metro Manila registering the biggest share in the services sector,” the AO dated Nov. 24 read.

It added: “Allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila that have successfully been issued a prequalification clearance by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) board prior to the implementation of the moratorium will have a positive impact on job creation and will further strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a leading information and communications technology hub in the country.”

READ: Peza, DENR eye land for more ecozones

In June 2019, former President Rodrigo Duterte issued AO 18 imposing a moratorium on the processing of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila.

This was to “promote rural development, ensure inclusive growth in the countryside, and create robust economic activity and wealth generation in areas outside Metro Manila.”

The 2019 moratorium excluded applications already endorsed by the Peza and submitted to the Office of the President without deficiencies in supporting documents.

Through AO 11 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the moratorium on the creation of ecozones in Metro Manila remained in effect.

The directive amended AO 18 to allow applicants for ecozones previously excluded in the moratorium to resubmit their applications.