Globe Telecom Reports 20% Improvement in Permit Processing with EO 32

Globe has made significant progress with the execution of Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32) or (Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure), with a 20% increase in permit processing and issuance between 2022 and mid-2024.

These advancements have been critical to Globe's 5G and fiber infrastructure growth, which is meeting the nation's rising need for affordable, dependable, and accessible connections.

Globe has already erected over 4,000 cell towers and installed more than 3 million fiber-to-the-home links between 2021 and the first part of this year.

“We are grateful for the government's efforts to streamline the permitting process. In particular, we commend the President for issuing Executive Order No. 32, which has helped speed up the issuance of permits,” said Michelle Ora, Vice President and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Programs at Globe.

Globe emphasized the need for more local government units (LGUs) to consistently apply streamlined processes under EO 32 to maximize its potential to reduce bottlenecks associated with obtaining necessary permits at the recent 2024 Ease of Doing Business Convention organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

Persistent obstacles, such as the inability to adopt the Electronic Business One Stop Shop (eBOSS), as well as varied rules and legislation in various LGUs, have hampered tower development in certain locations and increased prices owing to additional taxes and longer approval delays.

Along with creating universal standards, Globe underlined the necessity of removing unnecessary taxes and procedures in order to create a more conducive environment for telecom infrastructure expansion.

“We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to address these challenges. We believe that by working together, we can create a more conducive environment for telco builds. This will help ensure that more Filipinos have access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services,” said Ora.

EO 32 supports President Marcos' goal of a digitally linked Philippines, allowing telecoms to access more communities and companies countrywide.

Antipolo City in Rizal, Bacoor City in Cavite, Calamba City in Laguna, and Metro Manila localities Marikina and Navotas are presently setting the standard with their "one-stop-shop" (OSS) business permitting procedure, which eliminates the need for telecoms to secure them separately. Cities like Mandaluyong, Manila, and Bacolod have also streamlined the procedure by eliminating key clearance requirements.

Globe continues to cooperate with ARTA, local governments, and other industry leaders to link every Filipino to a better, more reliable telecom network, bridging the digital gap and empowering communities around the country. ​