THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the online application process for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) has been simplified with a goal of generating approvals or rejections after 20 working days.
The 20-day deadline is in line with the recommended processing time for “highly technical transactions” under the Ease of Doing Business Law (Republic Act 11032).
The 20-day category also includes projects that pose a risk to public health, safety, or morals, or activities that run counter to public policy.
In a memorandum circular, the DENR said the new online procedure applies to projects for which proponents must submit documents listed in the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) checklist.
“Since 2015, no updating of procedures and requirements of the established ECC online system has been made,” the DENR said.
The ECC is a key document that must be obtained before undertaking major projects. It includes an assessment of the project’s impact on its surroundings, and is mandatory for mines, power plants and infrastructure projects.
The minimum documentary requirements for ECC applications filed online were listed as proof of authority over the project site, certification from the local government unit (LGU) on the compatibility of the proposed project, the project description, and geotagged photographs of the site, among others.
The new ECC application fee costs P5,070 while the amendment application costs P2,030.
The law requires simple transactions to be concluded within three days and complex transactions within seven days. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
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