DILG to fast-track over 2,000 permits for telecom towers — Abalos

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would fast -track the issuance of permits for telecommunication towers from local government units, its Secretary Benhur Abalos said Monday.

“We must fast-track 2,086 pending LGU permits in 341 cities and municipalities for telecommunication towers to speed up interconnectivity,” Abalos said during a press conference.

Abalos pointed out that the people want to have internet connection and the lack of towers might be one of the reasons it is slowing down.

While acknowledging that involved LGUs might have concerns about the applications for the construction of these towers in their areas, Abalos said LGUs’ reasons should be checked if they are valid.

In line with the implementation of ease of doing business, he also encouraged LGUs to have a digitalized system in issuing permits such as barangay clearance and business permits.

“Sana ma-speed up na ito para mabilis para kay Juan dela Cruz (Hopefully, they could speed up this for the Filipino people),” Abalos said. — RSJ, GMA News