By John Eric Mendoza, July 5, 2023; Inquirer.Net
MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to prop up the development of digital infrastructure in the country, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed an executive order streamlining the permitting process for the internet and telecommunications infrastructure, the Presidential Communications Office said on Wednesday.
Executive Order No. 32 signed by Marcos on Tuesday covers all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as local government units 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 EO stated regarding streamlined requirements on infrastructure construction.
The order covers the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure, as well as 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.
On the other hand, exempted in the President’s order are building permits issued by the Office of the Building Official, Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, homeowners associations and other community clearances, clearances from other government agencies, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.
