The Office of the President of the Philippines Streamlined Permitting Process for Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure
On July 4, 2023, the Office of the President issued Executive Order No. 32, S. 2023.
Pursuant to Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9485 or the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007,” as amended by RA No. 11032 or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” it has been declared a State policy to adopt measures to promote transparency in each agency in transactions dealing with the public. Section 15 of RA No. 9485, as amended, mandates the Anti-Red Tape Authority and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to develop a fast and reliable interconnectivity infrastructure to expedite the processing of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications and authorizations.
However, during the height of the pandemic, the requirements for securing permits and clearances for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure were suspended for 3 years starting in 2020. Hence, to ensure the continuous development of digital infrastructure in the Philippines, the Office of the President issued Executive Order No. 32, S. 2023 which streamlines the requirements for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure.
The executive order covers all national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in issuing permits, licenses, clearances, certifications and authorizations.
Under the EO No. 32, the requirements were reduced to: (a) building permit; (b) height clearance permit; (c) homeowners and other community clearances; (d) clearances from other government agencies, when applicable; and (e) other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and laws.
The executive order applies to all pending and new applications for securing such permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, and authorizations, submitted by the entities listed under Section 3 of the EO.
The executive order also requires cities and municipalities to set up a One-Stop Shop for Construction Permits and all government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to implement the Zero Backlog Policy for permits and clearances covered by said Order.
The full Executive Order issuance may be accessed here.