Senate OKs on third reading bill granting Duterte anti-red tape emergency powers

Voting 23-0, the Senate on Wednesday approved a bill seeking to give the President of the Philippines authority to expedite the issuance of government permits and licenses in the Philippines during times of national emergency.

Senate Bill No. 1844, certified as urgent by Malacañang, would authorize President Rodrigo Duterte to streamline the processes for the release of these documents or even suspend the requirement to secure such amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed measure covers all agencies under the executive branch including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils, government instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled corporations.

In consultation with the concerned government agencies, the President may also prescribe to make permanent the streamlined regulatory processes and procedures, or the suspension or waiver of the requirements in securing such permits, licenses, clearances, and certifications or authorizations.

Further, the bill also states that the President may suspend or remove any government official or employee performing acts contrary to the streamlining of processes.

As a safeguard, it was specified in the proposed law that the authority granted shall not be used to undermine the existing processes and applicable laws meant to protect the environment, especially those that aim to safeguard protected areas and its buffer zones and other critical areas.

The measure was crafted after Duterte met with legislators to discuss measures meant to curb corruption and cut red tape in government a few weeks ago. — RSJ, GMA News