Various government agencies have signed a joint memorandum circular that will streamline requirements and reduce procedural delays in securing permits, licenses, clearances, certificates, and other requirements for common towers.
The new policy was signed by officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), the Department of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The policy essentially shortens the timeline of securing permits to 16 days, from 200 days. It also removes five prerequisites for the construction of passive telecommunications tower infrastructure, such those that are required by both the local and national governments.
It will not require telco tower companies and mobile network operators to secure a certificate of use, which can be secured from the Office of the Building Official.
Caap has also agreed to remove the height clearance permit for infrastructure that are below 50 meters, but firms are required to secure an undertaking from a licensed geodetic engineer.
“The signing of the guidelines is a significant step in addressing the nation’s connectivity needs that have become more immediate because of the pandemic. The deployment of common towers, particularly in unserved and underserved areas, will improve not only internet condition, but also socio-economic welfare through ICT,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.
He added that this complements the Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Policy, otherwise known as the Common Tower Policy.
“In these trying times, our country is calling on us, as those in government service, to render full assistance and cooperation, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate measures to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19.”