NATIONAL government agencies will roll out a joint memorandum circular (JMC) streamlining the permitting processes for the water supply and wastewater systems sector, the Better Regulations Office at the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said on Thursday.
The JMC aims to standardize permitting processes within set timelines for water facilities — from construction, installation, restoration, rehabilitation to repair and maintenance, ARTA director Marbida Marbida said in her presentation at the ceremonial launch in Quezon City.
“This will ensure secure, reliable and uninterrupted water supply to consumers,” Marbida said,
The still unnumbered JMC is a joint effort by ARTA, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the Local Water Utilities Administration after a series of consultations that started in December 2023. The JMC will take effect once the heads of the agencies have signed the circular, ARTA said.
Marbida said the JMC simplifies what used to be a fragmented and confusing process that contributes to the costly and multiple delays in the issuance of permits especially in the construction phase — from barangays and homeowners associations (HOAs) to the national agencies.
“Instead of dealing separately with multiple agencies and local government units, we now have a more unified and predictable framework using tools like the standard letter of intent and simplified requirements for smaller projects that will help cut unnecessary red tape,” Marbida said.
Another feature of the JMC, she said, is the simultaneous processing of permits from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the DPWH, and integrating the barangay clearance into the LGU.
“This will reduce both delays and burden,” she said.
Marbida said the JMC provides that emergency repairs will now follow fast-track protocols that allow service providers to immediately respond even without a permit.
Stronger coordination and compliance with the provisions of the JMC clearly defines the roles across agencies, LGUs, utilities and the HOAs, and promotes joint decision making, especially in restoration, emergency response and rehabilitation, she added.
The JMC calls for the creation of a multi-agency technical working group, which includes the private sector representation, which will ensure that the policy remains adoptive and accountable.
Marbida said these reforms will set a more efficient bureaucracy following the timelines clearly defined in the automatic approval provisions of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
The law mandates specific processing times for government applications and requests. Simple transactions are to be processed within 3 working days, complex transactions within 7 working days, and highly technical applications within 20 working days.
“Delays caused by inaction will no longer be the norm. Redundant steps are now integrated, and this real reform will benefit both the implementers and the service providers,” Marbida said, adding that the unified framework applies across national, local and private roads, including those in subdivisions.
“The JMC covers a broad range of service providers, cooperatives, rural systems, LGU-run utilities and more, so responsibilities are now clearly assigned, eliminating gaps and overlaps,” she noted. She said JMC reinforces multi stakeholder coordination through a technical working group where agencies will regularly collaborate to ensure restoration standards are aligned.
