NEDA, ARTA launch implementing guidelines to streamline gov't flagship infra projects

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on Tuesday issued the implementing guidelines of the latest executive order (EO) which streamline the permitting process of the government’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs).

In a joint statement, the NEDA and ARTA said the implementing rules of the Executive Order No. 59 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. 

EO 59 on “Streamlining the Permitting Process for Infrastructure Flagship Projects” aims to eliminate unnecessary delays in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations, ensuring the timely completion of IFPs.

Under the implementing guidelines, the NEDA and ARTA will allow 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 time frame.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said 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,” said Balisacan.

The NEDA chief further said 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.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez, meanwhile, affirmed that the issuance of the implementing guidelines “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,” said Perez.

EO 59 was signed on April 30, 2024 and took effect on May 5.

In a separate statement, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president Rene Almendras lauded the issuance of the implementing guidelines of EO 59.

“We, in the MAP, will be supporting ARTA as it aligns to one of our priorities on Ease of Doing Business,” said Almendras.

“We fully agree that there is an urgent need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications and authorizations to expedite the implementation of infrastructure flagship projects which are needed for meaningful economic transformation,” said the MAP chief.— RF, GMA Integrated News