Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 16) — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to give the president special powers to fast-track permits, licenses and certifications during national emergencies.
Voting 267-6-0, lawmakers approved House Bill no. 7884 on Friday before it adjourned its special session.
Gabriela Party list Rep. Arlene Brosas explained her “no” vote saying the measure will only serve big companies by providing them “regulatory relief” while smaller businesses remain in need of financial aid.
“Itinatali nito ang kamay ng gobyerno para bigyang laya ang galaw ng mga malalaking negosyo na siyang makikinabang sa regulatory relief na ito,” she said in a brief speech during the session.
[Translation: This ties the hands of the government to give freedom for big businesses who will benefit from this regulatory relief.]
Under Section 2 of HB 7884, President Rodrigo 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.”
ACT-Teachers Party List France Castro also voted against the bill, citing its possible detrimental effects to indigenous communities whose ancestral lands may be impacted by infrastructure projects.
Kabataan Party List Rep. Sarah Elago who also opposed the measure, argued that giving Duterte special powers has so far been ineffective in addressing the pandemic.
“Kinakailangan balikan at pag-aralan, nagamit ba ang mga layunin sa pagbibigay ng dagdag na special powers para sa kapakanan ng kabataan at ng taumbayan,” she raised.
[Translation: There needs to be a review on whether the additional special powers were used for the good of the youth and the country.]
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act passed earlier this year gave the president the power to reallocate funds from the 2020 national budget as he deems necessary in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
Under the recently approved bill, 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.
