R06-2025-03-04-049
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA cor. Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City
www.dilg.gov.ph
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
No. __________
TO : ALL CITY AND MUNICIPAL MAYORS, SANGGUNIAN
PANLUNGSOD/BAYAN, PUNONG BARANGAYS,
CITY/MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL
RESOURCES OFFICERS, DILG REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND
FIELD OFFICERS, AND ALL OTHERS CONCERNED
SUBJECT : GUIDELINES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LETTER OF NO
OBJECTION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS IN ALL
CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
DATE :
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1. Background
It has been observed that for Renewable Energy (RE) Projects, one of the
requirements is the issuance of a Letter of No Objection (RONO) by the
concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) under whose jurisdiction the RE
Project will be established.
The requirement for LONO is rooted from Section 2 of R.A. 7160 or the Local
Government Code of 1991 which mandates the conduct of consultations
with appropriate LGUs and people’s organizations before any project or
program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions. Similarly,
Sections 26 and 27 require the conduct of consultation with the LGUs
before any project or program which might affect the environmental or
ecological balance may be implemented. In addition to this, Section 16 of
the same law which provides for the General Welfare Clause states that LGUs
shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied
therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its
efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the
promotion of the general welfare.
Pursuant thereto, LGUs began issuing LONO to prospective proponents of RE
Projects. Consequently, it had been raised that one of the challenges
encountered by applicants for RE projects is the varying documentary
requirements of each LGU for the issuance of LONO, thereby slowing down the
establishment of such projects.
To address this challenge, there is a need to establish and streamline the
procedure in obtaining a LONO from LGUs for consistency and for fast tracking
the establishment of RE Projects.
“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan”
Trunkline No.: 8876-34-54
2. Scope/Coverage
This Memorandum Circular (MC) covers City and Municipal Mayors,
Sanggunian Panlungsod and Bayan, Punong Barangays, City and Municipal
Environment and Natural Resources Officers, DILG Regional Directors and
Field Officers, and all others concerned.
3. Purpose
This MC is issued to provide a uniform set of guidelines for LGUs in the
issuance of LONO to clients/applicants who would like to conduct RE Projects
under their respective jurisdictions.
4. Legal Basis
4.1. Section 2 of R.A. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991
mandates the conduct of consultations with appropriate LGUs and
people’s organizations before any project or program is
implemented in their respective jurisdictions. Similarly, Sections 26
and 27 require the conduct of consultation with the LGUs before
any project or program which might affect the environmental or
ecological balance may be implemented.
In addition to this, Section 16 of the same law which provides for the
General Welfare Clause states that LGUs shall exercise the powers
expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as
powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and
effective governance, and those which are essential to the
promotion of the general welfare.
4.2. Republic Act (RA) No. 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act
of 2007, as amended by RA No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business
and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, mandates that
government agencies adopt streamlined procedures through the
establishment of service standards (Citizen's Charter), simplify
processes and minimize documentary requirements, implement a Zero-
Contact Policy to prevent corruption, and impose penalties for violations,
including inefficiency and corrupt practices, all aimed at ensuring
prompt, transparent, and efficient delivery of government services.
4.3. Republic Act No. 9513, otherwise known as the "Renewable Energy Act
of 2008," established the framework for the accelerated development
and utilization of renewable energy resources and mandates the
creation of a strategic program to increase their utilization, which
includes the integration of energy-related processes into the Energy
Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) to streamline energy project
applications and approvals.
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4.4. RA No. 11234 entitled An Act Establishing the Energy Virtual One-Stop
Shop for the Purpose of Streamlining the Permitting Process of Power
Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Projects (EVOSS Act) was
passed on March 8, 2019 to streamline the permitting processes and
establish an online system for generation, transmission, and distribution
projects.
4.5. Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-01 between the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and
Department of Energy (DOE) was issued to provide the guidelines for
LGUs to streamline the process for securing the necessary permit,
licenses, and other requirements in order to facilitate the implementation
of energy projects.
4.6. Under Section 3 of Executive Order No. 21 dated 19 April 2023, the DILG
is mandated to submit to DOE a complete list of permits required by LGU
in relation to RE development for integration into the EVOSS system.
4.7. DOE Department Circular No. DC2024-06-0018 titled “Revised Omnibus
Guidelines Governing the Award and Administration of Renewable
Energy Contracts and the Registration of Renewable Energy
Developers” was issued to integrate the existing policies for an effective
and efficient award and administration of RE Contracts and registration
of RE Developers.
4.8. DENR Administrative Order 2024-02 titled “Interim Guidelines for
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) under the Philippine
Environmental Impact Assessment System (PEISS) for Offshore Wind
(OSW) Energy Projects” was issued to ensure appropriate mitigating
measures and global standards in offshore wind development were
considered.
5. Definition of Terms
5.1. Certificate of Authority – refers to the certificate duly signed by the DOE
Secretary exclusively authorizing an RE Developer to procure the
necessary permits and tenurial instruments for the exploration,
development, construction and installation, and commercial operation of
the RE Project and conduct reconnaissance and other activities needed
for pre-feasibility studies, as applicable, within the are specified in the
certificate. The COA grants an RE Developer the privilege to procure the
aforesaid permits and tenurial instruments outside of the contract term.
5.2. Certificate of Non-Coverage – certifies that, based on the submitted
Project Description Report, the project is not covered by the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System and is not required to
secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Further, the
CNC advises the Proponent on coverage to other requirements by other
DENR offices, LGUs or other government agencies. Based on the
Supreme Court Decision on 12 September 2002 (DENR Region XI vs.
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City of Davao, G.R. #148622), DENR-EMB cannot require an ECC or
deny a CNC application for a project that is confirmed to be not an ECP
and not within an ECA. It is ministerial upon DENR-EMB to issue the
CNC upon application by a Proponent.
5.3. Development Stage/Construction and Operation Stage – includes
activities pertaining to the mobilization of the offshore works such as the
layout of cables, installation of foundations (fixed bottom) or moorings
and anchors (floating), installation of OSW turbines, installation of
substation/s, testing and commissioning.
It also includes the onshore development ranging from operation and
maintenance facilities, staging ports, and construction sites for
foundations, turbines, and other associated infrastructures such as
access roads and powerlines. While its Operation Stage includes the
activities on selling and trade of power, performance management,
maintenance and repair and asset management.
Measures to minimize impacts during construction, such as waste
management, noise reduction, and protection of marine life shall be
undertaken by the developers. Monitoring frameworks for assessing
compliance with plans and other environmental regulations shall be
implemented by the DENR.
Coordination with local governments and communities must be
maintained by the developers to minimize social and economic
disruptions, including providing appropriate compensation or support
where necessary.
A Contingency Plan must be formulated by the developers for
unexpected environmental or social impacts during construction and
operation, with clear responsibilities and procedures for response.
5.4. Environmental Compliance Certificate – a certificate of Environmental
Compliance Commitment to which the Proponent conforms with, after
DENR-EMB explains the ECC conditions, by signing the sworn
undertaking of full responsibility over implementation of specified
measures which are necessary to comply with existing environmental
regulations or to operate within best environmental practices that are not
currently covered by existing laws. It is a document issued by the
DENR/EMB after a positive review of an ECC application, certifying that
the Proponent has complied with all the requirements of the EIS System
and has committed to implement its approved Environmental
Management Plan. The ECC also provides guidance to other agencies
and to LGUs on EIA findings and recommendations, which need to be
considered in their respective decision-making process.
5.5. Letter of No Objection (RONO) - This document is issued by the Mayor
which certifies that he concurs with the resolution of no objection
previously issued by the local Sanggunian.
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5.6. Notices – means that the persons with interests in the proposed RE
project be informed of the application to adequately raise their respective
interests.
5.7. Pre-development/exploration Stage – includes the acquisition of permits
and clearances, undertaking feasibility studies, preparation of detailed
engineering design and determination of energy yield estimate,
application for grid connection, and planning of development and
financial closing.
It also involves the conduct of metocean/detailed wind resource
assessment and geophysical and geotechnical studies, benthic, fish and
shellfish surveys, ornithological, sea mammal and onshore
environmental surveys, human impact studies, geohazard, climate and
disaster risk assessment.
5.8. Processing time – The time consumed from the receipt of an application
or request with complete requirements, accompanying documents, and
payment of fees, up to the issuance of the permit or certification or such
similar documents approving or disapproving an application or request.
5.9. Renewable Energy (RE) Projects - includes energy storage systems,
solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable sources.
5.10. Renewable Energy Resources (RE Resources) - refer to energy
resources that have no upper limit on total quantity usage. These
resources are replenished on a regular basis, with renewal rates rapid
enough to ensure availability over an indefinite period. These include,
but are not limited to, biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy,
hydropower (conforming to internationally accepted dam standards),
and other emerging renewable energy technologies.
5.11. Resolution of No Objection (RONO) - This document is issued by the
Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan which certifies that the local
Sanggunian supports an RE project.
6. Standards for the Issuance of LONO
The following shall apply in processing the request for issuance of LONO from
the City or Municipality:
6.1. Documentary Requirements
The applicant shall be required to submit only the following documentary
requirements to the Office of the Mayor:
A. Pre-Development Stage/Exploratory (for Offshore Wind RE
Projects):
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1. A letter requesting the issuance of LONO addressed to the
Mayor signed by the requesting client or his/her authorized
representative;
2. Project Proposal (including contract area and technical
description of the project);
3. Letter of Endorsement/ Certificate of Authority issued by the
Department of Energy - Renewable Energy Management
Bureau (DOE-REMB) indicating that the applicant submitted the
documents required by DOE who in turn have reviewed and
approved it; and,
4. Favorable recommendations/ findings of the Environmental
Management Bureau validating the Environmental Impact
Assessment conducted by the Applicant.
B. Development Stage (All types of RE Projects):
1. A letter requesting the issuance of LONO addressed to the
Mayor signed by the requesting client or his/her authorized
representative;
2. Project Proposal (including sitemap and technical description
of the project);
3. Letter of Endorsement/ Certificate of Authority issued by
the Department of Energy - Renewable Energy
Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) indicating that the
applicant submitted the documents required by DOE who in
turn have reviewed and approved it; and,
4. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of
Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR).
6.2. Process Flow/Steps for the LONO
6.2.1 The steps for the issuance of a Letter of No Objection are as follows:
1. The applicant submits to the Office of the Mayor complete documentary
requirements. Applicants are required to retain a copy of the application
that bears the receiving stamp from the Office of the Mayor, which must
include the date and time the application was received.
2. The Office of the Mayor transmits the application to the City/Municipal
Environment and Natural Resources Office (C/MENRO).
3. C/MENRO endorses the same to the Secretary of the concerned
Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan.
The transmittal to the relevant Sanggunian shall be completed within
three (3) working days, reckoned from the date the Office of the Mayor
receives the applicant’s complete requirements.
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4. Upon receipt of the application, the Sanggunian Secretary shall calendar
the deliberations on the same for the next immediate session. The
Secretary shall send notices of the deliberations to the following:
a) Applicant
b) The concerned Punong Barangays and Barangay Councils
c) Department heads of the LGU’s Planning and Development,
Agriculture, Engineering, and Environmental Management offices
d) A representative from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)/ Non-
Government Organizations (NGOs)
e) Governor (where appropriate)
Failure to attend or send a duly authorized representative of the
abovementioned during the deliberations shall be considered as a
favorable recommendation of the application.
5. If the Sanggunian Panlungsod/Bayan disapproves the proposal, the
reason for the denial and the remedial measures that may be undertaken
by the applicant shall be cited in the resolution denying the same. The
resolution and the application shall be returned to the applicant.
If the Sanggunian Panlungsod/Bayan approves the proposal, it shall
issue a Resolution of No Objection.
6. The resolution approving the proposal shall be endorsed by the
Secretary to the Sanggunian Panlungsod/Bayan to the Mayor for his
concurrence.
If the Mayor approves the resolution, he shall forthwith issue a Letter
of No Objection.
In the event that the Mayor disapproves of the resolution, the
application shall be returned to the applicant together with the RONO
and the Mayor’s explanation as to his disapproval.
The resolution shall be released within forty-five (45) working days,
reckoned from the date of the receipt of the complete requirements by
the Secretary of the Sanggunian. An extension of twenty (20) working
days may be availed only once by the Sanggunian.
7. In case of extension, Secretary to the Sanggunian Panlungsod/Bayan
shall notify in writing the applicant before the lapse of the initial 45-
day-period of the reason and the date of release of the resolution.
6.3. Automatic Approval
An application which remains pending upon the lapse of the
abovementioned processing time is deemed approved. For this purpose,
the applicant need only present the receiving copy of his application
indicating the date and time it was initially filed before the Office of the
Mayor.
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7. Violations and Liability
Local Government Officials who refuse to accept application or request with
complete requirements without due cause shall be liable in accordance to the
provisions of RA 11032 also known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient
Government Service Delivery Act of 2018".
8. Effectivity
This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately upon filing of three (3)
certified true copies with the Office of the National Administrative Register, University
of the Philippines Law Center.
9. Feedback
For more information or related queries, kindly visit DILG Website at www.dilg.gov.ph
or contact the Bureau of Local Government Development at Telephone Nos. (02)
8925-0356 or (02) 8927-7852, or email at [email protected].
9. Approving Authority
JUANITO VICTOR C. REMULLA
Secretary
BLGD-LFRDD/AFB/ZIM/BFC/macb/jrg/arfm/kke
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