President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered cutting of bureaucracy and streamlining of the processing of permits for the country’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), ensuring an expedited implementation.

Marcos, in a four-page Executive Order (eo) 59 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 30 April, emphasized the need to expand and update the country’s infrastructure “to achieve meaningful economic transformation.”

According to the President, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has already approved 185 IFPs to be implemented nationwide. 

The requirement for these IFPs should be simplified and streamlined, he said. 

“There is a need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations to expedite the implementation of IFPs, consistent with Republic Act 9485, as amended,” he noted. 

Marcos said the EO 59 applies to all national government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and other government instrumentalities, local government units involved in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations required for approved lists of IFPs.

A copy of EO 59 is available in the Official Gazette. 

The order’s other clauses are stated such as the processes for online and/or electronic submission and acceptance, simultaneous processing of applications, digital payment fees, and action on the application.

The EO takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.