Globe has seen substantial progress with the implementation of Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32), logging an 20% improvement in permits processing and issuance from 2022 to mid-2024.
These developments have been vital to Globe’s 5G and fiber infrastructure expansion which addresses the nation’s growing demand for affordable, reliable, and accessible connectivity.
From 2021 to the first half of the year, Globe has already built over 4,000 cell towers, and deployed more than 3 million fiber-to-the-home lines.
“We are grateful for the government’s efforts to streamline the permitting process. In particular, we commend the President for issuing Executive Order No. 32, which has helped speed up the issuance of permits,” said Michelle Ora, Vice President and Head Strategic Partnerships and Programs at Globe.
At the recent 2024 Ease of Doing Business Convention organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Globe underscored the need for more local government units (LGUs) to consistently apply streamlined processes under EO 32 to maximize its potential to reduce bottlenecks associated with securing essential permits.
Persistent challenges, such as failure to implement the Electronic Business One Stop Shop (eBOSS), varying requirements and ordinances in some LGUs, have slowed the pace of tower construction in certain areas and raised costs due to additional fees and extended approval times.
Along with establishing uniform standards, Globe emphasized the importance of eliminating excessive fees and requirements to create a more supportive environment for telco infrastructure growth.
“We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to address these challenges. We believe that by working together, we can create a more conducive environment for telco builds. This will help ensure that more Filipinos have access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services,” said Ora.
EO 32 aligns with President Marcos’ vision for a digitally connected Philippines, enhancing the telcos’ capacity to reach more communities and businesses nationwide.
Antipolo City in Rizal, Bacoor City in Cavite, Calamba City in Laguna, and Metro Manila cities Marikina and Navotas are currently leading by example with their “one-stop-shop” (OSS) business permitting process, eliminating the need for telcos to secure them independently. Cities like Mandaluyong, Manila, and Bacolod have also further simplified the process by removing certain clearance requirements.
To strengthen the effective implementation of EO 32, Globe advocates for additional onboarding and engagement workshops with LGUs and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) nationwide. These sessions, such as the ones facilitated by ARTA, aim to deepen understanding of the EO and underscore the crucial role of telecom infrastructure in community development.
Globe continues its partnership with ARTA, LGUs, and other industry leaders to connect every Filipino to a stronger, more reliable telecom network, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities nationwide.
To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
