QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11234)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11234 is the "Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act".
The main purpose of EVOSS is to streamline the permitting process for power generation, transmission, and distribution projects by providing a single online platform for submission, processing, and monitoring of permit applications.
The Act applies to all new power generation, transmission, or distribution projects throughout the Philippines and all government departments, bureaus, agencies, government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), and other entities involved in the permitting process for these projects.
The permitting process includes acquisition of operating or service contracts, pre-development, and construction phases of power projects, along with submission of documentary requirements and payment of fees from all relevant government agencies; however, it excludes the operational phase of the project.
Government officials who fail to comply with mandated time frames may be suspended or dismissed depending on the frequency of offenses. In cases involving system operators or market operators, fines of ₱100,000 per day of delay may be imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
If an agency fails to act within the prescribed time frame on an application with complete supporting documents, the application shall be deemed approved, except for DENR and ERC actions on fossil fuel-based technology applications.
The Department of Energy (DOE) supervises and operates EVOSS, maintaining its IT infrastructure and ensuring updated systems for effective online permit processing.
The EVOSS Steering Committee is chaired by the Office of the President and includes the DOE Secretary as Vice-Chairperson, secretaries of various departments, heads of related agencies, and non-voting representatives from the power sectors. It exists only for two years from the Act's effectivity.
Information or documents submitted by proponents cannot be divulged or released except to authorized persons or agencies, and any release must comply with the Freedom of Information manual applicable to the agency concerned.
Tampering with any part of the EVOSS system is punishable by dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service.
LGUs must resolve applications with complete documents within 15 calendar days for barangays, cities or municipalities, and provinces. Failure to act constitutes deemed approval. Denials must be valid, explained in writing, and appealable as provided under the Local Government Code.
The IPO acts as the Secretariat to the EVOSS Steering Committee and is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the EVOSS in accordance with the Act.
The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.