President Rodrigo Duterte signed on 02 July 2021, Executive Order (“EO”) No. 143, creating the Energy One-Stop Shop Task Group (“ETG”), which is tasked to monitor the continued implementation of Republic Act (“RA”) No. 11234, or the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (“EVOSS”) Act, and its implementing rules and regulations. (See related article: Department of Energy issues guidelines on treatment of existing direct connection arrangements and their applications for renewal pursuant to DOE Department Circular No. DC2020-01-0001)
The EVOSS, an online platform of the Department of Energy which enables the streamlining, synchronization, and coordination of applications for energy projects, was previously monitored by EVOSS Steering Committee, which was eventually dissolved by operation of law on 30 March 2021. In this regard, the ETG was given the same powers and functions as the previous EVOSS Steering Committee, as well as additional functions which enable the group to streamline the processes and requirements of government agencies, instrumentalities, local government units, government owned and controlled corporations, and private entities involved in energy projects. The ETG shall also:
- “Ensure the increasing operationalization of the EVOSS, including the integration of the process flow of agencies or entities in the EVOSS, interoperability of their existing systems with the EVOSS, and establishment of the online payment system, among others”;
- “Ensure compliance with the time frames under RA No. 11234, and continually review the permitting and licensing processes for energy projects to increase efficiency and reduce processing times”;
- “Ensure compliance with the provisions of RA No. 11234 relative to the ‘deemed approved’ status of completed applications that were not acted upon by the concerned bureaus, offices and agencies, both national and local”;
- “Monitor and assess the performance of the EVOSS”; and
- “Promulgate guidelines and rules necessary for the effective implementation of [EO No. 143]”. (Section 3, EO No. 143).
The ETG is chaired by the President, while the Secretary of the Department of Energy serves as Vice-Chairperson (Section 2, EO No. 143).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority shall also work together with the ETG in fulfillment of their respective mandates, with the shared goal of streamlining the processes of government agencies (Section 6, EO No. 143).
EO No. 143 follows the policy of the state under RA No. 11234 to ensure transparency and accountability in the approval process, as well as to provide the public with a paperless and electronic application system. Its issuance is a welcome development taking into consideration the current COVID-19 pandemic which makes in-person applications difficult.