The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units (LGUs) to simplify and expedite the permitting process for renewable energy (RE) initiatives across the country to bolster the nation’s green energy objectives.
In a statement released Tuesday, the DILG announced Memorandum Circular 2026-032, issued on May 11, which establishes streamlined guidelines for acquiring local permits and clarifies procedures for clean energy developers.
A key change under the new directive requires LGUs to issue a standardized Resolution of No Objection (RONO) through their respective Sangguniang Panlungsod (city councils) or Sangguniang Bayan (municipal councils). This uniform resolution replaces the previous Letter of No Objection (LONO) formerly granted by local chief executives, serving as the official local endorsement for proposed RE installations.
According to the DILG, the update is designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, strip away redundant paperwork, and foster seamless coordination between local authorities and national agencies to meet sustainable energy benchmarks. Eligible projects encompass facilities for energy storage systems alongside solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass power infrastructure.
To ensure ease of doing business, the DILG outlined a strict three-step application framework for developers:
- Submission of the application form and mandatory supporting documents.
- Receipt of the assessment and order of payment.
- Settlement of required fees and immediate collection of the issued RONO.
Furthermore, local councils are mandated to render a decision on complete applications within a strict 45-working-day window. In cases of disapproval, the LGU must issue a formal written explanation detailing the exact reasons for denial and the corrective actions the applicant can take.
This administrative push aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda on national energy security and accelerated public service efficiency, following Executive Order No. 110, which declared a national energy emergency and solidified state efforts toward clean power integration.