As of November 30, some 2,200 applications for permits of telco firms to build cell towers have been approved, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported. This is in line with the government’s thrust to fast-track construction of cell sites by the end of the year.
Año also noted that 712 applications are still pending, adding that his office will continue to monitor them until approval.
Fast-tracking of cell tower permits has been a focus of the Department of the Interior and Local Government following Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu’s statement last July that the delay is partly due to local government units’ lengthy requirements.
President Rodrigo Duterte warned in response that he will go after LGU officials if they are found guilty of hampering construction of cell sites in the country.
The head of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said telcos with complete applications for building towers will be automatically approved if local government units or agencies of the national government fail to act within 7 days.
