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By Jefferson Antiporda Reporter
INTERIOR and Local Government
Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Wednesday released new guidelines for the
issuance of development permits and barangay clearances to ensure a
fast release of permits for housing projects.
Puno made the move after
receiving complaints regarding undue delays in the issuance of
development permits by the city and municipal councils, mayors’
permits by the city and municipal mayors, and barangay clearances by
the punong barangays (barangay chairmen).
Complaints were also raised about
the imposition of exorbitant fees for barangay clearances, or the
imposition of fees not supported by any barangay ordinance.
“To address these issues, we
need to clarify the procedures in the issuance of permits and
clearances related to housing projects implemented by both
government and private sectors,” he said.
In his directive, Puno said the
local councils should strictly observe the time frame provided for
under Executive Order No. 45 issued by the Office of the President
that directs them to act on applications for development permits
within 30 days from receipt of application with a complete set of
documents.
Under the Local Government Code
of 1991, the power to process and approve subdivision plans for
housing purposes has been devolved to cities and municipalities
through their respective sanggunians or councils.
The DILG secretary said the code
provides that the sangguniang barangay should act on the application
for a barangay clearance, a prerequisite before the issuance of a
mayor’s permit, within seven working days from its filing, and
“in the event that the clearance is not issued within said period,
the city or municipal mayor may issue the said license or permit.”
Puno said the amount of
reasonable fee which shall be required for the issuance of a
barangay clearance for a housing project, should only be that amount
limited to cover only the cost of regulation as fixed by a barangay
ordinance, as stated in the code.
“In the absence of any barangay
ordinance imposing that reasonable fee for the said barangay
clearance, no fee should be collected in securing the same,” he
stressed.
He said after the issuance of the
development permit by the sanggunian of the city or municipality
concerned and the barangay clearance by the punong barangay, the
applicant shall apply for a mayor’s permit which should be acted
upon by the city or municipal mayor within 15 days, in accordance
with Republic Act 6713.
He stressed that local officials
should strictly observe the guidelines or face administrative
sanctions provided for under EO 45 and Republic Act 9485, or the
“Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007,” which calls for the adoption of
simplified procedures to reduce red tape and expedite transactions
with the government.
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