MANILA – In a landmark move to accelerate the nation’s infrastructure drive, the Philippine government on Tuesday, June 18, unveiled the implementing guidelines for Executive Order No. 59 (EO 59) on “Streamlining the Permitting Process for Infrastructure Flagship Projects.” This strategic initiative, spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), through the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM), is designed to streamline the processing of permits for the government’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs).
The EO 59 and its implementing guidelines aim to eliminate unnecessary delays in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations, ensuring the timely completion of IFPs. The guidelines apply to national government agencies, government-owned and/or -controlled corporations, other government instrumentalities, and local government units involved in the issuance of such documents.
The implementing guidelines will enable the use of electronic or digital signatures; limit the number of required signatories on documents to a maximum of three that will represent officers who are directly supervising the office/s responsible; allow for the simultaneous processing of applications through the submission of an Affidavit of Undertaking; and mandate the automatic approval or renewal of documents if the relevant licensing agencies fail to act within the prescribed timeframe.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized that the streamlined processes under EO 59 represent a significant stride toward enhancing the country’s investment climate, improving the ease of doing business, and strengthening the country’s economic foundation.
“Fast-tracking our major capital projects is crucial because we seek to catch up with our dynamic neighbors in the region and realize the numerous economic opportunities such projects will bring. We hope to create the enabling conditions for high-quality job creation for thousands of Filipinos; we wish to enhance regional connectivity and link leading and lagging regions; and we aim to raise the competitiveness of our local industries and foster rapid, sustained, and inclusive growth,” Balisacan said in a statement delivered by NEDA Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno.
Balisacan further underscored that EO 59 aligns with the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which identifies the expansion and upgrade of the country’s infrastructure as a key component of the government’s social and economic transformation efforts.
[Related: EO 59 TO BOOST PH INFRA DRIVE—NEDA]
ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez affirmed that this issuance demonstrates the government’s commitment to cutting through red tape and ensuring the efficient and effective completion of infrastructure projects.
“Infrastructure projects are not merely about physical structures. When we invest in building robust infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for economic growth, social progress, and enhanced quality of life for our fellow Filipinos. The issuance of EO 59 stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to achieve these goals and achieve bureaucratic efficiency,” Secretary Perez highlighted.
With ARTA functioning as an attached agency to the Office of the President, Secretary Perez also pledged the agency’s commitment to continue its streamlining efforts following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to replace red tape with a red carpet treatment for both local and foreign investors in a Bagong Pilipinas.
The Implementing Guidelines of EO 59 was signed by NEDA Undersecretary Capuno, ARTA Secretary Perez, and key officials from the INFRACOM at the Philippine International Convention Center.
EO 59 was signed on April 30, 2024 and took effect on May 5. The INFRACOM will serve as the Steering Committee, providing policy direction for the order’s effective implementation. (ARTA and NEDA)
