Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have reiterated their support for the Government's initiatives to fast-track the rollout of telco and internet facilities across the country, following the issuance of a joint memorandum circular (MC) setting the rules and regulations of Executive Order (EO) 32, which streamlines the processes for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure.

PLDT and Smart also supported the recent Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention led by the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA), which showcased the streamlining and digital solutions offered by government agencies to improve the delivery of government services, and brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials and policymakers, key players in the telecommunications sector, and representatives from international organizations.

"These reaffirm the Group's support for Government in its drive to deliver seamless public service to Filipinos across the country, reiterating PLDT and Smart's commitment as the Government's ready partner in nation-building," said Atty Pamela Felizarta, Head of Joint Strategic Operations at Smart, who represented the Group at the EODB Convention.

The recently issued Joint MC 2023-01 containing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of EO 32 was signed by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure. Issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 4, EO 32 covers the streamlining of the processes for the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure.

Hailing the government's strides in streamlining government processes, the Director General of ARTA, Secretary Ernesto V. Perez cited the progress in the telco sector.

"In the telco sector, regulators came together to successfully streamline the sector," Perez said, citing how the permits process has been simplified, with fewer documents required and faster turnaround time achieved.

"The Philippines is on a transformative journey towards an efficient, transparent and responsive bureaucracy that caters to the needs of businesses. The EODB Convention stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Philippine government, from the national down to the local levels. This event provides the perfect stage to share tales of triumph, demonstrating that change is not just possible but achievable through strategic initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement. As we stand at the threshold of possibility, envision with me a Philippines not bound by red tape, but propelled by the wings of innovation. Let our shared commitment be the wind beneath these wings, carrying us to new heights of prosperity," Perez said in his keynote speech at the opening of the convention.

The three-day convention was also attended by United States Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay L. Carlson, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham) President Bo Lundqvist, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) President Stefan Schmitz, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George Barcelon.

The PLDT Group's support for the Government's streamlining initiatives and the country's overall digitalization thrust is part of its commitment as a member of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.

These initiatives also align with PLDT's commitment to its aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, and are also in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.