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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace offers lifeline for NCR economic zone applicants

Palace offers lifeline for NCR economic zone applicants

Published Dec 2, 2023 12:05 am

At A Glance

  • In issuing the AO, Marcos said allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila, which secured PEZA Pre-Qualification Clearance before the implementation of the moratorium, will have a positive impact on job creation.

In an attempt to boost employment opportunities in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, Malacañang has issued an administrative order (AO) amending provisions of the previous administration's AO No. 18, granting a second chance for applicants for economic zones within the National Capital Region (NCR).

AO11.jpg
Malacañang file photos

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed AO No. 11 on November 24, amending provisions of Sections 2 and 3 of AO No. 18 by allowing the processing and evaluation of applications to establish special economic zones in Metro Manila.

In issuing the AO, President Marcos said allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila, which secured Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Pre-Qualification Clearance before the implementation of the moratorium under AO No. 18, will have a positive impact on job creation and will further strengthen Metro Manila's position as a leading information and communications technology hub in the country.

Based on the AO, applications already with "Pre-Qualification Clearances" from the PEZA Board before the moratorium's effectivity under AO No. 18 shall be allowed to resubmit their application with certain conditions.

"Within a non-extendible period of ten (10) working days from the effectivity of this Order, the PEZA shall submit to the Office of the President (OP), through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a Board Resolution certifying the Masterlist of covered applications under the immediately preceding paragraph," the AO read.

"For this purpose, the PEZA shall submit, along with the said Board Resolution and Masterlist, certified true copies of the pertinent Pre-Qualification Clearances issued by the PEZA Board to the developers/project proponents concerned and the minutes of the meeting when the same was approved by the Board," it added.

According to the EO, only those included in the Masterlist can resubmit their applications for ecozones, provided that they undergo PEZA's pre-qualification process anew. For this purpose, all required national or local licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations that have already expired shall have to be renewed under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

However, the inclusion in the Masterlist or the acceptance, processing, or evaluation of applications by PEZA and the OP does not guarantee approval or proclamation as economic zones.

Other provisions of AO No. 18 shall also remain in effect, including the moratorium on processing applications to establish economic zones in Metro Manila.

Citing a recent assessment, Malacañang said the services sector, which includes information and communications, continues to be a reliable source of economic activity in the country, with Metro Manila registering the biggest share.

The Marcos administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic agenda aims to bolster employment opportunities for the Filipino people by promoting investments that boost productivity.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos economic zone Metro Manila National Capital Region President Marcos
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