Palace backs 1-week LGU approval for telco infra

Malacañang has endorsed an executive order prepared by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that substantially cuts red tape in local government units (LGUs)’ approval of telecommunication firms’ permits for installation of cellular sites.

Camarines Sur Rep. L-Ray Villafuerte said the usual eightmonth approval would be reduced to seven days or one week. Otherwise the processing of permits for telco infra- structure would be deemed approved, paving the way for a much-improved internet access for all.

“Malacañang’s approval of the draft EO will send another strong signal to investors that the Duterte administration is serious about cutting red tape, plugging the nationwide infrastructure gap, and improving the ease of doing business in the country,” Villafuerte said.

It usually takes years for a telco to build cell sites due to health concern hazards raised by local residents and worse, some LGUs have been requiring telco firms to obtain as many as 32 permits.

DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said LGUs should find a way to expedite the issuance of permits. “It’s really the LGUs. Three days should be enough for the LGUs to issue a permit,” he said.

Telecommunications officials admitted difficulty in setting up cellular sites and lack of government investment in information and communications technology (ICT) have contributed to the perennial problem on cellular phone signal and poor internet service.

“The LGUs can ask for 32 requirements, compared to us who only need one. That is where the problem is,” commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba of the National Telecommunications Commission told congressmen in a previous budget hearing.

“On the other hand, Ayala Alabang – which is around 500 hectares – gets its signal from the outside [cell site] because this kind of villages sees cell cites as hazardous or an eyesore,” he said.

The DICT, in consultation with telecom industry players, has finalized the draft EO and will soon submit it to President Duterte for his final approval.

The draft EO states that, “All applications or renewal of business permits and licenses to install and operate public

services such as telecommunications and broadcast facilities, value added services, and cable TV shall be completed and issued not more than seven (7) days from the receipt of said applications.”

After the lapse of the seven-day period and no action has been taken, the officer concerned should immediately elevate the matter to the local chief executive who should decide on whether to grant or deny the application within two days.

“If the local chief executive fails to act within the period of two days, such application/renewal shall be deemed granted,” a portion of the draft EO read.

Villafuerte said that after slashing the processing time, the next step would be to cut the number of permits, pointing out that telcos have to get approval for at least 25 permits to get a base transceiver station or cellsite tower constructed.