THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) announced on Wednesday the approval of the implementing guidelines for Executive Order 59 or “Streamlining the Permitting Process for Infrastructure Flagship Projects.”

The National Development Authority (NEDA) and ARTA, through the committee on infrastructure, initiated the crafting of the implementing guidelines.

“EO 59, with its implementing guidelines, aims to eliminate unnecessary delays in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations, ensuring the timely completion of IFPs,” ARTA chief Ernesto Perez said in a statement.

ARTA chief Ernesto Perez. Photo from ARTA website

Perez said that the guidelines apply to national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, other government instrumentalities, and local government units involved in the issuance of such documents.

Further, the implementing guidelines will enable the use of digital signatures and limit the number of required signatories to three, representing the officers directly supervising the office/s.

It will also 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.

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, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“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, and we hope to create the enabling conditions for high-quality job creation for thousands of Filipinos,” Balisacan said.

“We also 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,” the NEDA chief added.

Both NEDA and ARTA said 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.

“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,” Perez said.