Treasurer’s office nets P1 billion from business permits

CEBU, Philippines — In just 20 days, the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office has collected P1 billion from the renewal of mayor’s business permits in the city.

In an interview, City Treasurer Arlen Rentuza said the P1 billion is relatively the same with last year’s P1-billion collection during the same period.

“January 25 is the deadline for the renewal of the business permits. Dapat magpa-assess na gyud ugma and give their payment para dili ma-subject sa penalty nga 25 percent and two percent interest per month until nga makabayad na sila,” she told reporters.

During this week’s renewal, she said several people have flocked to Robinson’s Galleria where the renewal of business permits is currently conducted.

Rentuza said the P1-billion collection was reached last Wednesday night, adding that the collection will still increase when the collections for the transactions done yesterday and today are accounted for.

She said the collection is also expected to increase, since not of the assessed businesses have paid their dues.

For this year, the office targeted to collect P1.9 billion from the renewal of business permits.

At least 39,000 are expected to renew their businesses this year but the treasurer’s office has yet to wait for the final count since there are businesses that have opted to file retirement or closure of their establishments.

Usually, the treasurer’s office will conduct massive inspection to check those establishments that are operating without permits.

The city government has been active in its fight against tax evaders and even closed several business establishments in the past two years.

Aside from the renewal of business permits, Rentuza said the city will also be accepting payment from delinquent payers.

After the deadline today, the City Treasurer’s Office will still accept those owners of businesses that have not processed their permits.

However, Rentuza said the city will impose two percent interest per month and 25 percent surcharge and penalties to these business owners. — GAN (FREEMAN)