Since the energy sector is included as a priority area in this administration's socio-economic agenda, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is considering the issuance of policies, possibly via an executive order, to further fast-track bureaucratic processes for renewable energy (RE)-related projects and introducing nuclear technology.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez recommended the drafting of a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) or Executive Order (EO) to truly expedite the permitting process, after holding discussions with the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent (DREAM), Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Board of Investments (BOI), and National Electrification Administration (NEA) in late February.

Together with the ARTA Better Regulations Office (BRO), they talked about the pervasive challenges in the sector and the ongoing and future initiatives that can be undertaken by the agency, in order to ensure proper and streamlined bureaucratic processes are implemented, in compliance with the ease of doing business (EODB). 

In tapping nuclear technology, ARTA coordinated with the DOST-PNRI who presented the possible applications of nuclear energy to boost the agriculture, medicine, security, and environment sectors by applying innovations such as material modifications to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables that may be exported. 

Expressing interest in the DOST-PNRI's plans, as well as the potential benefits to using the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), ARTA said they are eager to see the developments in nuclear technology and its impact on industrial and commercial fields, with a possible plan to visit the nuclear facilities. 

“In our stride towards replacing red tape with a red carpet for investments and economic growth, adapting such innovation can be a very bold and progressive move to further advance the ease of doing business in the Philippines,” Perez said. 

Perez reiterated that there is a need to “streamline and fast-track the energy sector's permitting and licensing process to attract more investors in the country.” 

Other stakeholders involved in the talks were the Department of Energy-Energy Utilization Management Bureau (DOE-EUMB), DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB), National Power Corporation (NPC), Department of Finance (DoF), Aboitiz Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Global Business Power Corporation (GBP), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), San Miguel Global Power (SMGP), Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation (MIESCOR), and Kepco KPS Carabao Corp.

“With a whole-of-nation approach, we will continue coordinating with both the public and the private sector stakeholders to ensure energy security nationwide. This transformative collaboration that we are doing in the energy sector aligns perfectly with our vision under our Bagong Pilipinas banner,” noted Perez.