Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) director general Jeremiah Belgica (File photo)
MANILA – Online application and processing of construction permits and licenses will soon be implemented with the amendments of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 Series of 2018 or the Guidelines in Processing of Construction-Related Permits.
The JMC, which was signed Tuesday, is in line with the implementation of the National Effort for the Harmonization of Efficiency Measures of Interrelated Agencies (NEHEMIA), a streamlining program led by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The guidelines involve setting up one-stop shops—online and physical—for the processing of construction-related permits.
Under the JMC, the electronic one-stop shop for construction-related permits or the eCPermits can accept online submission of application and documentary requirements, issue order of payment, accept online payment, and issue electronic version of permits, licenses, and clearances.
“(W)e do not only need to have a quick infrastructure building system but more so we need a quicker infrastructure rebuilding process,” ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said.
Aside from the eCPermits, a physical one-stop shop for construction-related permits (OSCP) should be available in local government units (LGUs).
The ‘3-7-20’ rule should also be applied in this transaction, ARTA reminded.
Under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, government offices should complete transactions in three days for simple transactions, seven days for complex, and 20 days for highly technical.
In a text message, ARTA deputy director general Ernesto Perez said the newly signed JMC is applicable to all applications including pending applications for construction-related permits.
“As the country experiencing the tragedies brought about by the typhoon, (the JMC is) a good indication helping our countrymen to rebuild in the best way we can,” Perez said.
He added that the amended JMC aims to reduce number of steps from four to three and the processing of application from five days to three days. (PNA)
