Marcos to order gov’t units to simplify, speed up flagship projects’ approval

Neda Secretary Arsenio Balisacan during a press briefing in the Palace on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. (File photo from INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order (EO) to expedite the process of getting necessary documents for infrastructure flagship projects (IFP).

This plan was reported by National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

He said government is finalizing the EO’s details.

He did not specify when the directive will come out.

“The Neda Board confirmed the proposed Executive Order that will enable the expeditious processing of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, and authorizations for the Marcos Administration’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects or IFPs,” said Balisacan.

“The primary goal of this proposed EO is to minimize, if not eliminate, delays in the implementation of IFPs,” he explained.

The EO is mandating all government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, as well as local government units, to simplify the process for IFPs.

“The simplified requirements will be applicable to both pending and new applications within the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs, as well as any additions to the updated IFP list,” the Neda chief said.

The EO will also allow electronic online submissions to the government agencies concerned.

“In line with this, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, or ARTA, in coordination with NEDA, shall establish a reporting framework to track agencies’ compliance,” he added.

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