Marcos eases permitting process of flagship infra projects

FILE: The much-awaited Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project is finally taking shape with workers busy in one of the train stations along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Friday (Aug. 11, 2023). (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of the permitting process for the Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) to hasten the construction and implementation of the administration’s infrastructure program.

In a four-page Executive Order No. 59 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P.

Bersamin on April 30, Marcos emphasized the need to expand and update the country’s infrastructure to achieve meaningful economic transformation.

There are currently 185 IFPs approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“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 (Republic Act) 9485, as amended,” Marcos said.

EO 59 covers to all national government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and other government instrumentalities, local government units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations required for approved list of IFPs.

According to the President, no other national or local permit or clearance may be required for the construction, installation, repair, operation, and/or maintenance of IFPs except for Environmental Compliance Certificate/Certificate of Non-Coverage issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Building permit/Occupational Permit/Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City/Municipal Building Official; Excavation Permit issued by the concerned LGU, National Commission for Culture and Arts, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, and /or the Bases Conversion and Development Authority; and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.

The streamlined requirements apply to all pending and new applications submitted by the NGAs and LGUs for projects included in the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs.

EO 59 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.