Bizmen urged to renew permits early

CEBU, Philippines — The local governments of Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City are urging business owners to renew their business permits early to avoid getting caught in the rush to beat the deadline.

The Cebu City government has set up a one-stop shop at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu for business permits’ renewal and application. The operation kicked off on January 3 and will run until January 25.

The city’s Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) accommodated 850 business owners on the first day and another 393 yesterday.

“So far, so good,” said City Treasurer Arlene Rentuza.

The BPLO expects at least 39,000 business establishments to renew their business permits.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier said the city government will allow entrepreneurs to continue doing business even if their applications are still incomplete as long as they are paying their tax obligations.

"Even if your application is not complete, you will be allowed to operate your business as long as you pay your taxes and you have not been blacklisted by City Hall," he said.

Lawyer Yedah Ylanan, BPLO chief, said those with incomplete requirements will be issued with a provisional permit, allowing them to continue doing business.

Business owners will be given up to 30 days to comply with all the pertinent requirements.

Failure to renew the permit is tantamount to two percent interest and 25 percent surcharge and penalty fee.

"Business owners should renew their business permits on or before January 25 in order to avoid any penalty," Rentuza said, adding that the division will compute surcharges automatically once permits are not renewed on time.

Lapu-Lapu City

In Lapu-Lapu, the city government also launched its one-stop shop on Thursday. It will operate until January 20.

Mayor Paz Radaza urged business owners to renew their permits before the January 20 deadline to avoid paying penalty fees.

“Erring business owners will be fined. They have been warned,” the mayor said, adding that the city will not give an extension.

The renewal of permits will start at 8 in the morning and will end either 6 or 8 in the evening, depending on the number of transacting clients, said Radaza.

Radaza expects an increase in the number of business renewals and new applicants this year.

Last year, more than 12,000 business establishments were renewed.

Radaza said the city and barangay halls are open on weekends to accommodate requests of business owners.

Earlier, the Mandaue City government has also established desks inside the City Cultural and Sports Complex for the annual renewal of business permits.

Apart from the renewal of business permits, the City Treasurer's Office also requires the business owners to secure a sanitary permit, environmental permit, fire permit, and other national clearances, including Social Security Systems (SSS).

Last year, at least 13,000 business establishments were renewed by the city, according to City Treasurer Regal Oliva. — Isabella G. Obor, USJ-R intern, KBQ (FREEMAN)