Senator Win Gatchalian has renewed calls on the Department of Energy (DOE) to fully implement the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system to make it easier for prospective investors to develop renewable energy (RE) projects.
Gatchalian’s call followed a World Wide Fund (WWF) report that said red tape continues to hinder the development of the RE industry in the country.
“We pushed to institutionalize EVOSS precisely for the purpose of expediting the permitting process of generation projects that would help diversify our energy source and enhance the country’s energy supply,” Gatchalian, who currently serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, said.
Since the law was enacted in March 2019, government agencies are still in the process of complying with the law. Not all permitting processes have been integrated into the system and as such are non-compliant with the EVOSS time frames.
Authored by Gatchalian, the EVOSS law or Republic Act 11234 otherwise known as An Act Establishing The Energy Virtual One-Shop For The Purpose Of Streamlining The Permitting Process Of Power Generation Projects, is expected to accelerate investments in the energy sector.
According to Gatchalian, EVOSS could sufficiently address concerns on a simplified permitting process, eliminate red tape in the energy sector, and promote a more conducive business environment that is hoped to attract more energy developers.
“Kailangang maipatupad nang maayos ang mga probisyon ng batas dahil ito ang magsisiguro na magkakaroon ang bansa ng sapat na suplay ng enerhiya sa panahong kailangan natin ito,” he said.
The lawmaker further said government efforts to sustain economic growth require the creation of the appropriate conditions to attract private investments. “The essence of the law is to remove unnecessary permits and create a supportive and responsive environment that would attract investments into the country’s energy sector. Thus, the energy department should ensure all the provisions of the law are implemented right away,” he added.
