Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 2) — Malacañang has issued an order granting a second chance to those who wanted to establish special economic zones within Metro Manila.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Nov. 24 signed administrative order (AO) No. 11, amending provisions of the previous administration’s AO No. 18 that stopped the processing and evaluation of ecozone applications in the National Capital Region.
While the moratorium on the processing of applications for ecozones stays, the new order said those who have obtained \”Pre-Qualification Clearances\” from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Board before AO No 18 was implemented in 2019 will be allowed to resubmit their application with certain conditions.
In line with this, the PEZA will submit a list of applicants with the said clearances to the Office of the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.
The order, however, clarified that inclusion in the list does not guarantee approval or proclamation as economic zones.
\”Only those included in the Masterlist shall have the option to resubmit their applications for ecozones, provided that they undergo anew the pre-qualification process of the PEZA,\” the order read.
“For this purpose, all required national or local licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations that have already expired shall have to be renewed in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations,” it added.
The Palace said the amendment is expected to have a positive impact on job creation and strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a leading information and communications technology hub in the country.
