President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of processes for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure to ensure the continued development of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Under Executive Order (EO) 32 issued on Tuesday, Marcos stressed the need to institutionalize a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructures.
EO 32 covers all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, as well as local government units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications and authorizations.
“No other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and internet infrastructure,” the order read.
The EO directs the streamlining of processes for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure; as well as for the erection of poles, installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals and other transmission telecommunications and internet infrastructure and facilities.
EO 32 also mandates all cities and municipalities to set up one-stop shop for construction permits, which will provide front-line services to applicants securing building permits and other related certificates.
All covered government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to implement zero backlog policy in all applications for permits and clearances covered by EO 32, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
They are also required to comply with the annual submission of list of pending applications and compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
EO 32 excludes building permits issued by the Office of the Building Official; Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), homeowners associations and other community clearances; clearances from other government agencies, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.
The EO also organizes a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure as an oversight body to ensure efficient implementation of the order.
The TWG will be chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
According to EO 32, the TWG is mandated to craft the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of the order. (PNA)
