Mandaue biz permit renewal extended

CEBU, Philippines — Business owners in Mandaue City can still apply or renew their licenses and business permits until January 31.

This comes after the Mandaue City Council yesterday approved an ordinance extending the application deadline to give entrepreneurs more time to finalize their requirements.

Yesterday was supposed to be the original deadline for applying and renewing business permits and licenses. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, local taxes, fees, and charges must be paid within the first 20 days of January or the initial days of each subsequent quarter.

However, the City Council may grant an extension of up to six months for the payment of taxes, fees, or charges, waiving surcharges or penalties, provided there are valid reasons.

Mandaue City Councilor Mari Immaline Cortes Zafra told reporters yesterday that the council has extended the deadline for business permits and license renewals following concerns raised by the business sector.

She said business owners and entrepreneurs still need to settle certain requirements with the City Treasurer’s Office and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to complete their compliance.

She explained that the city values the concerns of the business sector and this prompted the council, along with BPLO head August Lizer Malate, to meet and draft an ordinance addressing the issues.

She highlighted an issue faced by business owners, where previous tenants managed payment obligations during the initial application. However, during the renewal process, property owners are now left to shoulder the unpaid dues left by their former renters.

Zafra also said some businesses, despite no longer existing, remain active in the city's database, leading to continued billing and collection. This is because the city was not informed that the business had ceased operations, causing the license or permit’s owners to continue accumulating charges.

“Luoy man sad ang katong mga tag-iya nga pag-renew nila na-shock sila nga naapil sila, which should have been settled sa ilang renters,” she said.

To avoid such situations, business owners should officially retire their businesses and inform the city to prevent the continuous accumulation of charges and penalties.

Despite the January 20 deadline passing, she said business owners and entrepreneurs will not incur any penalties or surcharges until January 31, 2025. But after the new deadline, business owners will incur penalties, including a 25% surcharge and an additional 2% per month for any further delays.

Zafra emphasized that now that the deadline has been extended, business owners, especially those who have not yet completed their requirements or submitted their payments, must comply.

“I urge our business sector ug atong ginagmay nga mga negosyante nga naa sa Mandaue nga ila ning pahimuslan ang higayon nga naa tay gihatag nga extension ug wala silay surcharge nga ila nang i-process karon nga buwan,” she said.

Business owners can still pay for the renewal of their business permits and real property taxes at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.