LGUs approve 8.3K telco tower permits: DILG

MANILA – A total of 8,311 permits and clearances to build cellular towers of telecommunications companies have been approved by 668 local government units (LGUs) across the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Monday.

In a statement, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said that as of Sept. 15, another 2,404 permits are still being processed in 229 cities and towns.

“Nakatutok po kami dito. If at any given time, bumagal ito or idelay ito (We are paying attention to this. If at any given time, it slows or delays,), we will issue a show cause order to the LGUs,” Abalos said.

The DILG chief said this complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to improve and digitalize business processes.

Abalos said LGUs are streamlining their regulatory processes pursuant to Republic 11032 or Ease of Doing Business Act.

He said Executive Order (EO) No. 32 signed by the President last July streamlined permit processes for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

The EO, he added, states that no other national or local permit or clearance shall be required for the construction and operation of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure, except those required by law.

“Usually kapag magtatayo ng (when building a) telecoms tower, ang daming (there are many) red tape. Because of this executive order, binawasan na ang requirements at inaasahan nating bibilis ang (the requirements have been reduced and we expect faster) interconnectivity,” he said.

Abalos said efforts are underway to adopt digital or electronic facilities for business registration and renewal, and for the assessment and collection of local taxes, fees and charges, as well as to shift to cashless payments pursuant to EO 170.

“We have a joint initiative with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas called Paleng-QR. Bibili ka ng gulay at pagkain sa palengke, hindi mo na kailangan magdala ng cash (If you buy vegetables or food in markets, you don't have to bring cash). Several LGUs across the country are now into cashless transactions through this system,” he said.

Abalos said the DILG has a partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on eReport which allows the police and fire stations to respond quickly during emergencies, and eLGU System which covers and digitalizes a wide range of local government services.

The DILG has also directed all cities and municipalities to require businesses to install closed-circuit television systems prior to the issuance of business permits. (PNA)