Congress empowers PDU30 to further attack ‘red tape’
During times of national emergency
VOTING unanimously, the Senate last October 14, 2020, approved on third and final reading a measure that would give the President the authority to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses, and certifications during a national emergency.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri, author, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1844, said the measure was made under the same principle as that of the provisions of Bayanihan Act 2, which extended the President’s authority beyond the current pandemic and any national emergency the country may face in the future.
Aside from Zubiri, the bill was principally authored by Senate President Vicente C. SottoIII, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and, Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
“This bill seeks to authorize the President, during the time of national emergency, to suspend the requirements for national and local permits, licenses and certifications, and to streamline and expedite the process for the issuance of the same.
“While this may be a small step, it surely can create a significant impact on all enterprises,” Zubiri said.
SBN 1844 shall cover all agencies of the executive branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils, as well as government instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units.
Under the measure, the President shall have the authority to accelerate and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, or authorizations, including fixing or shortening the periods provided for under existing laws, regulations, issuances, and ordinances.
The measure includes authorization of the President to waive or suspend the requirements in securing the same.
The President may also act to permanently streamline these regulatory processes and procedures following consultation with or upon recommendation of affected government agencies.
The senator added that SBN 1844 also reiterates the power of the President given by the Constitution to remove or suspend any government official or employee.
According to Zubiri, the measure could ease the already heavy burden of the businesses that were heavily hit and continuously being beaten by the gargantuan effects of the pandemic.
“This is a good accompanying measure to the ease of doing business.
“I think a lot of good will come out of this and I believe that with this, the President will be emboldened to remove more people for their ineptitude and incompetence,” Zubiri said.
