Marcos orders to streamline permit process of 185 infra flagship projects

FILE PHOTO: President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. | Photo from the Official Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of the permitting process for about 185 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to expedite their implementation, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Under the four-page Executive Order No. 59 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last April 30, Marcos said there is a need “to expand and update the country’s infrastructure to achieve meaningful economic transformation.”

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“There is a need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations to expedite the implementation of IFPs, consistent with RA 9485, as amended,” Marcos said.

He added that EO 59 covers all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and other government instrumentalities, and local government units involved in issuing licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations required for the approved list of IFPs.

Under the order, Marcos said no other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and/or maintenance of IFPs except for the following:

a. Environmental Compliance Certificate/Certificate of Non-Coverage issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
b. Building Permit/Occupational Permit/Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City/Municipal Building Official
c. Excavation Permit issued by the concerned LGU, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and/or the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
d. Other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws

The EO, now available on the Official Gazette, takes effect immediately upon publication in the said website or in a newspaper of general circulation.