Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 18)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 18 is to constitute Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, aiming to promote the Philippines as a top investment destination by expediting the issuance of permits, licenses, certifications, or authorizations related to Strategic Investments and to create a conducive regulatory environment for these investments.
The Order covers all National Government Agencies (NGAs) and their regional and provincial offices, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), other government instrumentalities, and Local Government Units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of permits or licenses for Strategic Investments.
Strategic Investments are those aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or similar national plans, characterized by significant capital or investment, positive economic and environmental impact, contribution to the country's balance of payments, involving complex technical or engineering processes, and improving the country's infrastructure capabilities.
The categories include Highly Desirable Projects recommended by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, Foreign Direct Investments endorsed under the Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan, and projects under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) approved by the President.
The OSAC-SI is a single point of entry established by the DTI-BOI within six months of the Order to streamline processing, monitor, and provide aftercare services for Strategic Investments, including designating and endorsing investment projects to concerned agencies for permits and licenses.
Green Lanes are designated channels within NGAs, LGUs, and quasi-judicial bodies to expedite and streamline the processing of permits and licenses for Strategic Investments, coordinated with OSAC-SI, ensuring simplified and faster transactions.
Permits must be processed within a maximum of three (3) working days for simple transactions, seven (7) working days for complex transactions, and twenty (20) working days for highly technical transactions, with only one extension possible for the same number of days.
The application shall be deemed approved if the agency or LGU fails to act within the prescribed period, except for registrations and tax incentives under RA No. 11534, which are not deemed approved in case of inaction.
NGAs and LGUs shall process applications assuming necessary documents from other agencies have been issued, based on the applicant's affidavit of undertaking to submit outstanding documents within thirty (30) working days, allowing permits or licenses to be issued subject to the completion of requirements.
Failure to comply may result in administrative or disciplinary sanctions against erring government officials or employees, in accordance with existing laws, and may also include criminal, civil, or other liabilities.
The TWG, headed by DTI-BOI with representatives from key agencies, oversees the implementation of the Order, acts on complaints, and ensures coordination among account officers across agencies to effectively facilitate Strategic Investments.
It mandates NGAs and LGUs to enable electronic submission, payment, and issuance of permits and licenses, and requires remaining LGUs to adopt computerized business permit and licensing systems with support from DICT, DTI, and DILG.
A complete application includes submission of all documentary requirements indicated in the agency or LGU's Citizen's Charter, and full payment of required fees and charges, without additional unlisted requirements.
All concerned NGAs, GOCCs, government instrumentalities, and LGUs are directed to provide necessary assistance and support for the successful implementation of the Order.
The Order took effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.