PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 59, on April 30, which is seen as a pivotal move that aims to expedite the implementation of the country’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs).

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) emphasized that the EO would support the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by expanding and upgrading the country’s infrastructure sector as part of the government’s efforts towards social and economic transformation.  

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the significance of EO 59. 

"By streamlining the processing of IFPs," he stated, "we are making it easier for implementing agencies and more attractive for our partners in the private sector to execute transformative infrastructure projects that would spur job creation for our people and enable us to sustain our economy’s rapid expansion.”  

Executive Order No. 59 introduces several critical changes. First, it simplifies the requirements for the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs. Additionally, it directs national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to review their Citizen’s Charters, aiming to eliminate redundant and cumbersome procedures.