Globe Telecom Inc. on Thursday renewed calls for the government to streamline procedures in obtaining permits, licenses, and certifications as mandated by Republic Act 11032 promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services.
The Ayala-led telco is a strong advocate for the extension of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) joint memorandum circular (JMC) which took effect at the height of the pandemic in 2020.
The JMC has enabled Globe to fast-track its infrastructure buildup program, with close to 4,500 cell sites built from 2020 to 2022, or twice as fast as network builds from 2017 to 2019 and more efficiently than in previous years.
In a letter transmitted to Malacanang by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) facilitating closer public-private sector collaboration, Globe emphasized the urgency of the request.
“Institutionalizing the JMC as an Executive Order is one of the critical steps towards serving the geographically isolated areas. Hopefully, we can fulfill the President’s promise of making connectivity universal as a vital component to ensure that no citizen is left behind,” Ernest Cu, Globe Group president and chief executive, said.
Cu expressed his appreciation for ARTA efforts at streamlining the permitting process which has been a challenge for the industry. He acknowledged the issue still arises occasionally despite the JMC.
Cu also highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in bringing internet connectivity to all parts of the Philippines.
“I don’t think the private sector should be solely responsible for bringing the internet to all parts of the country. After all, we do need to account for the business casing and economic visibility of such an endeavor,” he said.
Globe has poured unprecedented amounts as capital expenditure the past two years alone to provide a first-world network for customers nationwide. It rounded 2022 with capex of P101.4 billion for its mobile and fixed network, nine percent higher than in 2021.
