Duterte orders swift approval of key water-resource projects
Persistent low water levels in reservoirs near Metro Manila prompted President Duterte to issue a new order expediting the approval process of flagship infrastructure projects related to water security.
In his Administrative Order (AO) 32, the President instructed all concerned government
agencies to prioritize the completion of reviews and approvals of the said projects.
The issuance covers water resource-projects included in the list of flagship infrastructure projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) as of February 17, 2020 and other similar projects to be approved thereafter by the government.
President Duterte said the Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects (PA-FPP) and Neda will coordinate with the concerned agencies on how to fast-track the said processes.
“If a government office or agency fails to approve or disapprove original application, or request for issuance of license, clearance, permit, certification or authorization within the prescribed processing time, where all the required documents have been submitted and fees paid and no reason, or explanation in writing was approved therefor, the said application shall be deemed approved,” he said in three-page issuance.
He tasked the Anti-red Tape Authority (ARTA) to monitor the compliance of the said agencies on AO 32 and issue the necessary warning to those which may fail to do so.
“The ARTA shall ensure that local permits and barangay clearances related to infrastructure flagship projects on water security shall be applied, issued, and obtained strictly in accordance with prescribed processing time under RA 9485 as amended,” President Duterte said.
ARTA will also be required to review licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations related to water security and recommend the said documents could be repealed for being outdated, redundant and unnecessary 30 days after the implementation of AO 32.
The order took effect on August 26, 2020, but was only released to the media on Friday.
As for the concerned government agencies and offices, they will be required to regularly submit the status of the application for the said projects, as well as the issues encountered and the cause/s for delay, or inaction, with advice on the corrective measures that may be undertaken as deemed appropriate.
They should make the submission to PA-FPP, Neda, and ARTA within 20 working days from the submission of complete requirements and every week thereafter, until appropriate action is undertaken on the application for the required license, clearance, permits, certification or authorization.
President Duterte said his new order aims to ensure the country’s water security amid the challenges posed by increasing demand for water and climate change.