RMC No. 49-2021: Circularizes Republic Act No. 11517, titled “An Act Authorizing the President to Expedite the Processing of National and Local Permits, Licenses and Certifications in Times of National Emergency”

Key points

1. Presidential authority. During a national emergency, the President may accelerate and streamline processes for new, pending and renewal applications for permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations, including fixing or shortening legal periods. The President may also suspend or waive the requirements.
2. Permanent changes. In consultation with or on recommendation of affected agencies, the President may make the streamlined processes and the suspension or waiver of requirements permanent.
3. Environmental limit. This authority cannot be used to undermine existing procedures that protect the environment, especially those safeguarding protected areas, their buffer zones and environmentally critical areas.
4. Officials who act contrary. Consistent with Article VII, Sections 1 and 17 of the Constitution, the Revised Administrative Code, other laws and jurisprudence, the President may suspend or remove any government official or employee acting contrary to the above.

Who is affected

• Applicants for national and local permits, licenses and certifications

Deadlines and effectivity

• Applies in times of national emergency