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Strict time frame for basic permits pushed

Philippines | National

Strict time frame for basic permits pushed

By Mario Casayuran

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Saturday the issuance by government agencies of basic permits must have a strict time frame.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Gatchalian, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, issued the statement during a radio interview on the acceptance by the Senate and House of Representatives bicameral conference committee of a provision in the proposed Bayanihan 2 law that sought a three-year suspension on the issuance of different permits for cell towers of telecommunication companies (telcos).

’’Ang sinusuportahan natin ay mabilis, 'yung moratorium kung puwedeng tanggalin ibang permit, 'wag na dumaan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, tanggalin narin ang permit sa barangay kung dadaan ka naman ay mayor bakit sa barangay captain pa,’’ he said. (I support a fast release of permits, the moratorium should eliminate other permits. Such permits must not go through Sangguniang Panglungsod. Also eliminate permits from the barangays if they also pass through the office of the mayor)

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon sought the suspension proposal after telcos had complained that permits sought for the installation of their cell towers from local government units (LGUs) and some government agencies take as long as eight months.

Drilon said there are about 29 to 35 documentary requirements and permits before single cell tower could be built in a subdivision, barangay, or town.

These complex requirements remain ‘’the biggest stumbling block for more reliable and faster Internet and telco services in the country,’’ he added.

President Duterte had earlier warned telcos to accelerate the improvement of their services by the end of the year or face harsh government action.

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