Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order to simplify the permitting process for the country’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs), aiming to accelerate the implementation of these critical developments. The order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on April 30, is part of efforts to boost economic growth through enhanced infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, the streamlining includes reducing the number of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, and authorizations necessary to progress with the 185 IFPs currently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This initiative seeks to cut down bureaucratic delays in accordance with Republic Act 9485, as amended, which is designed to improve service delivery by government agencies.
The new order affects all national government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and other governmental instrumentalities, as well as local government units (LGUs) that issue the aforementioned documents for the approved list of IFPs. It specifies that no other national or local permits or clearances are needed for the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of these projects, except for specific permits such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate, Building Permit, Excavation Permit, and those required by constitutional or legal mandates.
This streamlined process applies to both pending and new applications submitted by NGAs and LGUs for projects listed as IFPs by the NEDA Board. Executive Order No. 59 took effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.