#telco permit

The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, or Bayanihan 2, includes a provision that fast tracks the construction of telco towers by suspending the requirements to secure permits and clearances. The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act was recently signed by President Duterte, and one of the provisions include the temporary suspension of requirements to secure permits and clearances for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure. The only exception is the building permit issued by the Office of the Building Official pursuant to the National Building Code of the Philippines, and the height clearance permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). From about 29 to 35 documentary requirements and permits needed to build a cell tower, telcos now only need a building permit. There's cancellation of domestic and int'l flights, road re-routing, class/work suspension, no drone flying zones and the suspension of telecom services by telcos. Yesterday, just moment before the arrival of the Pope in the Philippines, network service by all telcos were suspended or turned off. Likewise, suceeding SMS messages also confirmed that telcos had to abide by the mandate of NTC to suspend or limit services due to security reasons caused by the Pope's visit. Read more in our articles including "Telcos now only need one permit to build cell sites" and "Duterte offers China to become 3rd telco in the Philippines".