Section 15Sec./Art. 15

Permtting and Cerification. - The DICT shall streamline the process for the application, renewal and release of permits, licenses, and clearances needed for the construction of infrastructure or installation of equipment in coordination with concerned national and local government agencies, instrumentalities, and departments for the effective implementation of this Act.

The DICT shall also standardize and regulate fees for the facilitation of permits certificates, and the rental rates of government-owned or -controlled properties for the construction of infrastructure and installation of equipment necessary for the immediate and effective implementation of the Program: Provided, That the fees to be collected should be just and reasonably sufficient to cover the costs of supervision and regulation. The revenue collected from local fees charges, and other local impositions shall inure solely to the benefit of and be subject to disposition by the LGUs.

The DICT shall coordinate with the concerned NCAs and LGUs, and conduct the necessary consultations with civili society organizations and other stakeholder groups in the development of the implementing rules and policies for the permitting and certification process.

Failure on the part of the issuing agency to release the applied license without informing the applicant business entity of the errors, omissions, or additional documents required shall mean automatic approval of the license or permit applied for within seven (7) days after submission of the applicant business entity of the complete requirements and payment of the corresponding fees: Provided, however, That in case where the cause of delay is due to force majeure or natural or man-made disaster which may result to damage or destruction of documents, the prescribed processing time shall be suspended and appropriate adjustments shall be made.

No additional steps, permits, certificates, or fees shall be required from any applicant other than the requirements stipulated by the DICT.

Initial issuances and agreements necessary to facilitate the implementation of the streamlined process shall be issued or released within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act.

The DILG shall be responsible foi monitoring thε compliance of concerned LGUs with the requirements of the Program.