By Fernan Angeles
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s stern warning on the dilly-dallying local government units (LGUs) are paying off, as shown in the most recent update that saw quick approval of 1,502 of the 1,903 applications filed by telecommunications companies for permits to build cellular towers.
In a press briefing, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the remaining 428 applications are still pending.
“Ang natira po ay 428 na pending applications at ito po ay babantayan namin para masigruadong hindi magtagal,” Año said.
He added that the application process has already been shortened to 16 days and the permits required have been reduced to eight.
“Sa susunod na linggo, babantayan namin ang mga pending na ito at sisiguraduhin na dapat maaprubahan at kung hindi naman, dapat malaman kung bakit hindi,” he added.
The prompt action was attributed by the DILG chief who directed local government units to act on applications of telecommunication companies to build cell towers within three days, to the stern warning issued by the President himself in his 5th State of the Nation Address last July.
Immediately after he delivered his SONA, Duterte ordered government prosecutors to file charges against local officials who fail to release the necessary papers requested within a certain time frame.