As part of his administration's goal for achieving a meaningful economic transformation, President Marcos has ordered the streamlining of the permitting processes for the country's infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) to expedite their implementation.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Executive Order (EO) No. 59 signed by President Marcos on April 30. It shall take effect immediately.

In his four-page EO, the President emphasized the need to expand and update the country’s infrastructure and one way of doing so is to streamline the processes for issuing the required documents.

"The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 recognizes the need to expand and upgrade the country's infrastructure to achieve meaningful economic transformation," he said.

"There is a need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations to expedite the implementation of IFPs," he added.

There are currently 185 IFPs approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board which Marcos heads.

EO 59 applies to all national government agencies (NGAs), including government-owned or -controlled corporations and other government instrumentalities, and local government units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations required for the approved list of IFPs.

The President has also ordered the streamlined requirements for IFPs and the simplification and streamlining process.

Consistent with the Anti-Red Tape Act, President Marcos said in his EO that there should only be a maximum of three signatories in any document.

Under the EO, NGAs and LGUs must allow the online or electronic submission and acceptance of applications for IFPs, and issuance of licenses, permits, certifications, or authorizations.

They shall also accept electronic copies of documentary requirements and recognize electronic or digital signatures.

NGAs and LGUs must also set up a payment gateway for digital payments related to these processes.

All covered applications not acted upon within prescribed periods under existing laws are deemed approved as long as all documentary requirements have been submitted and all required fees have been paid.