House OKs on 2nd reading bill granting PRRD anti-red tape powers

The chamber approved through voice voting House Bill No. 7884, which aims to accelerate the country’s socioeconomic recovery and ensure an effective government response to the present health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. (File Photo: House of Representatives/Facebook)

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Friday approved on second reading a measure granting President Rodrigo Duterte the authority to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses, and certifications during national emergencies.

The chamber approved through voice voting House Bill No. 7884, which aims to accelerate the country’s socioeconomic recovery and ensure an effective government response to the present health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Prior to the second reading approval, the bill hurdled committee level after the chamber convened into a Committee of the Whole.

Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said the House, under the leadership of newly-elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, is in full support of Duterte’s marching orders to curb red tape and corruption in all levels of governance.

“Upon the directive of the President and the instruction of Speaker Velasco, the House of Representatives will work on the passage of the anti-red tape measure before we adjourn the special session,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez and Velasco led the filing of the bill granting Duterte anti-red tape powers.

The bill gives Duterte the authority to suspend the requirements for national and local permits, licenses and certifications, and to streamline and expedite the process of issuance.

The bill covers all agencies of the Executive branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils, government instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled corporations.

“One of the strategic measures is to reduce transaction costs in all government agencies and provide efficient delivery of its services while maintaining integrity and accountability in government service and the promotion of transparency in the transactions of the government with the public, encompassing a program for the adoption of simplified requirements and procedures,” they said.

The proposed law empowers the President to fix or shorten the periods for the processing and release of these documents.

It also grants the President the power to suspend or waive the requirements in securing such permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, or authorizations.

Under the measure, the President has the power to suspend or remove any government official or employee performing acts contrary to the measure consistent with Article VII Sections 1 and 17 of the Constitution, the Revised Administrative Code, other existing laws, and jurisprudence.

The Senate has approved the measure on third reading after Duterte certified the bill as urgent.