THE Bayanihan Act 2 fast-tracking the issuance of permits for telco infra builds was the shot in the arm for the industry to better its services. The law also slashed the number of local and national permits needed to construct new towers across the country.

As of December 2020, Globe has built 10,395 cell towers in its portfolio.

“We commend several of our local government units (LGUs) who have followed to the letter the provisions of Bayanihan Act 2. We wish that other LGUs, which until now didn't have a one-stop shop for permitting concerns in their respective municipal or city halls, will also comply as soon as possible. By doing so, we can also extend to our customers the improvements in our call, SMS and browsing service that we have implemented in other areas of the country,” explained Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s general counsel.

Globe has asked the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) to remind several LGUs in NCR, Negros Oriental, Bulacan, Cebu, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan that locational clearances, conformity to local zoning ordinances, Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution, Neighbors Consent and Barangay Resolution requirements are no longer needed in granting permits to build new cell sites.

These permits are no longer required under the Bayanihan Act 2.

“We need to move forward as demand for connectivity continues to build up and for us to do this, we need the full cooperation and support of all LGUs,” Castelo added.

In 2020, several LGUs in Palawan, Nueva Ecija, Negros Oriental, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Quezon, Batangas, Cavite and Ifugao have set up their respective one-stop shops.

Makati, Manila, Marikina and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila; and Calamba in Laguna were also among the forward looking LGUs complying with the provisions.

Since the implementation of the Bayanihan Act 2, Globe has seen a marked increase in the number of issued permits for tower builds.

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