SC upholds EO 30 to fast-track energy projects

The Supreme Court upheld Executive Order (EO) 30 on Tuesday, which aims to expedite approvals for energy projects deemed nationally significant.

In a decision dismissing a petition filed by environmental advocates, the high court ruled that EO 30 falls within the president's power to reorganize the bureaucracy and expedite government processes.

The ruling, penned by Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, affirmed that EO 30 establishes minimum guidelines for the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) to streamline permit procedures while operating within legal frameworks.

Despite objections from petitioners like Quezon for Environment over potential environmental violations and bypassing key requirements such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate, the court dismissed these claims.

The SC emphasized that EO 30 is consistent with existing laws including the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 and the Department of Energy (DoE) Act of 1992, clarifying that the presumption of prior approval means permits can be processed simultaneously rather than skipped entirely.