PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order institutionalizing the streamlined process for the issuance of permits and licenses for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructures in the country.
In issuing Executive Order 32 on July 4, Marcos underscored 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 to ensure the continuous development of the country’s digital infrastructure.”
The directive 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.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure, to be headed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), will be created to oversee and ensure the efficient implementation of the order. The TWG shall also craft the EO’s implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from its effectivity.
Under EO 32, the simplified processes will cover permits and licenses for construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of a Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure, and 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.
It added “no other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure.”
Exempted from the EO are 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.
