Under Executive Order (EO) No. 18, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on February 23, 2023, all national government agencies (NGAs) and their regional and provincial offices, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and other government instrumentalities, as well as local government units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, certifications or authorizations, are required to have green lanes for strategic investments.
The EO defined strategic investments as those that are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or any similar national development plan. These investments can be characterized by significant capital or investment to the country, consequential economic impact, positive impact on the environment, significant contribution to the country’s balance of payments, complex technical processes and engineering designs, and improvement of the country’s infrastructure capabilities.
It also includes highly desirable projects, foreign direct investments and projects or activities under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.
“President Marcos said the move is consistent with the Eight-Point Agenda of the Administration and as part of the continuing efforts of implementing ease of doing business reforms, it is imperative to adopt measures that will expedite transactions with the government,” the Malacañang said.
The EO also directs the Department of Trade and Industry and the Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) to establish a One-Stop-Action-Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI). This center will serve as the single point of entry for all projects that qualify as strategic investments, as well as for aftercare or post-investment assistance.
The DTI-BOI is required to produce and regularly update an investor manual or guidebook within three months from the issuance of the order. The manual will contain a list of government requirements for establishing strategic investments per sector, as well as the concerned NGAs, LGUs or quasi-judicial bodies that issue relevant permits and licenses.
“The DTI-BOI will be supported with additional manpower, including the designation of Account Officers for Strategic Investments, as well as equipment necessary to operationalize the OSAC-SI, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management,” the EO reads.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the other hand was ordered to make available to LGUs the software for the computerization of the business permit and licensing system, with the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
To ensure the implementation of the EO, a technical working group will be formed, which will be headed by the DTI-BOI. The group will include the DTI, DILG, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, and Anti-Red Tape Authority as member-agencies. (SunStar Philippines)