Senator Bong Go on Tuesday lauded the signing of Republic Act 11517, a law authorizing the President of the Philippines to expedite the processing of permits, licenses, clearances, authorizations and certifications in times of national emergency.

“In line with our goal to cut red tape, curb corruption, and streamline government processes, especially in times of national emergencies, I laud the signing of this law,” he said.

Go is a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

“This will definitely hasten the process and efficiently amplify government services even in times of crisis and national emergencies, such as calamities and unforeseen incidents, including this coronavirus disease pandemic,” he added.

The law is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1844, sponsored by Majority Leader Migz Zubiri and principally authored by Senate President Tito Sotto III, Senators Ralph Recto, Zubiri, Frank Drilon and Ping Lacson, and House Bill 884, sponsored by Representatives Tyrone Agabas and authored by several members of the House.

RA 11517 seeks to grant the President the authority to “accelerate and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances and certifications or authorizations, including fixing or shortening the periods provided for under existing laws, regulations, issuances, and ordinances.”

The law will also be able to suspend or waive the requirements in securing these documents.

It will also prescribe to be permanent the streamlined regulatory processes and procedures, and the suspension or waiving of requirements in securing such documents in consultation or recommendation of the affected government agencies.

“Hindi dapat pahirapan ang mga Pilipino na kumuha ng serbisyo mula sa gobyerno. Lalo na sa panahon ng krisis, dapat sikapin nating pabilisin at mas madali ang mga transaksyon sa gobyerno,” Go said.