Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Authority of the President to Suspend the Requirements for National and Local Permits, Licenses and Certifications, and to Streamline and Expedite the Process for the Issuance Thereof.- Notwithstanding any law, decree, order or ordinance to the contrary, the President, in times of national emergency shall have the authority to:

(a) accelerate and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations, including fixing or shortening the periods provided for under existing laws, regulations, issuances, ordinances;

(b) suspend or waive the requirements in securing such permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations; and

(c) in consultation with or upon the recommendation of the affected government agencies, may prescribe to be permanent the streamlined regulatory processes and procedures, and the suspension or waiver of the requirements in securing permits, licenses, clearances, and certifications or authorizations:

Provided,That the authority herein granted under subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section shall not be used to undermine the existing procedures and processes, under applicable laws, rules and regulations, meant to protect the environment, especially those that aim to safeguard protected areas and its buffer zones, and environmentally critical areas.