The bill authorizing President Rodrigo Duterte to accelerate the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergency was approved by the House of Representatives on Friday.
The bill authorizing President Rodrigo Duterte to accelerate the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergency was approved by the House of Representatives on Friday.
Meanwhile, six lawmakers, voted against the measure.
The President is given authority to expedite and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations, under House Bill No. 7884.
The power to suspend or waive the requirements in securing such permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorization is also given to the President.
The bill covers all agencies of the executive branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils; government instrumentalities, government owned and controlled corporations.
The authority given to the President “Shall not be used to undermine the existing procedures and processes, under applicable laws, rules and regulations, meant to protect the environment, especially those that aim to safeguard protected areas and its buffer zones, and environmentally critical areas,” the bill states.
According to the bill, “The economic landscape of the country has drastically changed by reason of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its impact on the different sectors is beyond measure and the government’s role is to lessen the burden to its people.”
“One of the strategic measures is to reduce transaction costs in all government agencies and provide an efficient delivery of its services while maintaining integrity and accountability in government service and the promotion of transparency in the transactions of the government with the public, encompassing a program for the adoption of simplified requirements and procedures,” it adds.
The Senate has already approved on third and final reading its version of the measure shortly after Duterte certified its passage as urgent.
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