Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the establishment of “green lanes” to streamline government transactions for priority investments.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), in a statement on Friday, said Executive Order No. 18, was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The statement quotes Marcos as saying that the EO is “part of the continuing efforts of implementing ease of doing business reforms, it is imperative to adopt measures that will expedite transactions with the government.”
He said it covers all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and other government instrumentalities, as well as local government units, involved in issuance of permits, licenses, certifications, or authorizations covering strategic investments.
The order identifies strategic investments as those aligned with the country’s development plan, with “significant” capital and economic impact, positive effect on the environment, and boost the country’s infrastructure sector.
Prioritized investments would also include “highly desirable projects, foreign direct investments, and projects or activities under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.”
The order directed the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments to launch a One-Stop-Action-Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI), to be served as “the single point of entry” for all strategic investments. The OSAC-SI would also provide aftercare or post-investment assistance.
“The DTI-BOI will be supported with additional manpower, including the designation of Account Officers for Strategic Investments, as well as equipment necessary to operationalize the OSAC-SI, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management,” the EO stated.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology, meanwhile, would focus on upgrading LGUs business permit and licensing system.
