The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that the Philippine government is actively implementing reforms to streamline the mining application process.
DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Sciences Carlos Primo David revealed that the agency has rolled out a digital application system in three regions, including Caraga and Davao. This digital system aims to cut down the mining application process to a maximum of two years and reduce potential delays and indiscretions.
David emphasized that this streamlined process also includes parallel processing of permits, meaning that applications can progress even if permits from other agencies, such as local government units (LGUs) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), are still pending. However, mining companies will only receive final approval after securing all necessary permits.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is also contributing to these efforts by drafting a model ordinance to standardize permitting processes across LGUs, ensuring smoother and more efficient operations.
In addition to these procedural reforms, the DENR and the Department of Finance are working on an executive order (EO) to establish a clear policy on mining royalty rates. David explained that the EO will set a ceiling for royalties to address ambiguities and inconsistencies, particularly in relation to LGUs and Indigenous communities.
Additionally, the government is pushing for the passage of the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime bill, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged lawmakers to prioritize. This legislation aims to create a fair and equitable environment for mining operations in the Philippines.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), through its Chairman Mike Toledo, expressed optimism that the bill would be passed within the year. Toledo emphasized the importance of policy consistency and called for the government to simplify the approval processes for mineral agreements, reduce redundancies, and establish clear timelines for application reviews.
COMP also suggested implementing an online registry for pending applications and clarifying the roles of national and local government units to address potential conflicts.
