In separate statements, telecommunications companies PLDT and Globe lauded the issuance of Executive Order No. 32 or “Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure.”

Globe sees the government order as paving the way for “greater digital transformation in the country, aligned with the government and private sector’s shared goal of bridging the digital divide by increasing access to digital resources, services, and opportunities.” 

“The EO will allow the telco industry and the adjunct TowerCo industry to further ramp up infrastructure builds that will provide life-enabling connectivity in an equitable way across the country,” said Ernest Cu, president and CEO of The Globe Group.

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The EO, issued on July 5, mandates streamlined guidelines in obtaining permits to build ICT infrastructure, eliminating redundant processes. By cutting through red tape, it fosters an environment conducive to rapid digital infrastructure development.

Long-term implications on digital transformation

PLDT believes the order is aligned with its continued partnership with various government agencies, the most recent of which is a workshop with Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). As part of ARTA’s ‘Bayanihan’ initiatives, the telco workshop series aims to further address the bottlenecks in the permitting, licensing, and authorizations involved in the energization of telecommunications towers in the Philippines, and to improve connectivity in far-flung areas. 

“Through collaborations such as this workshop, we hope to address the urgent need to operationalize policies to ultimately ensure the highest possible quality of service for all Filipinos, and consequently support the government’s digitalization efforts,” said Alfredo Panlilio, president and CEO, PLDT and Smart.

In addition to the EO’s immediate benefits, Globe also appreciates the long-term implications of the order. By setting up a one-stop shop for construction permits and implementing a zero backlog policy, the EO encourages transparency and efficiency across all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in the process.

“This EO isn’t just about expediting processes. It’s about setting the stage for a long-term, sustainable digital transformation in the Philippines. It fosters a more inclusive and competitive business environment, spurring innovation that ultimately benefits Filipinos,” Cu said.