Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) — The House of Representatives will pass the measure seeking to grant President Rodrigo Duterte the authority to fast-track the processing of all permits and licenses, before it adjourns the special session on Friday.
In a statement on Thursday, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said that the lower chamber is only waiting for the letter of certification from Malacañang to allow it to immediately approve on third and final reading House Bill 7884 or the “Act Authorizing the President to Expedite the Processing and Issuance of National and Local Permits, Licenses, and Certifications.”
The House, now led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, has yet to receive the certification from the President to fast-track the bill’s approval, which can allow the chamber to approve it on second and third reading on the same day. Velasco and Romualdez led the filing of the measure on Wednesday evening.
Under Section 2 of HB 7884, Duterte will have the authority to suspend the requirements for national and local permits, licenses and certifications, and to streamline and expedite the process of issuance.
The same section also stressed that the measure should 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 covers all agencies of the Executive branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils; government instrumentalities, government owned and controlled corporations.
The President may also accelerate and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations. The proposed law also empowers him to fix or shorten the periods for the processing and release of these documents.
Requirements in securing such permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations may also be suspended or waived.
Under Section 3 of HB 7884, the President has the power to suspend or remove any government official or employee performing acts contrary to the measure, consistent with existing laws.
Voting 23-0, senators on Wednesday approved on third and final reading its version of the measure, within hours after receiving Duterte’s letter of request.
