QC to grant tax discounts to micro-businesses

The Quezon City government is set to implement Republic Act 9178, the barangay micro-business enterprise  (BMBE) law, which provides various incentives and benefits for small entrepreneurs.

City treasurer Victor Endriga said the city government will grant a 50 percent discount on local business tax to micro-businesses, among other perks, to help sustain the operation of these businesses.

He said the city government, under the stewardship of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., does not only look after the welfare of big investors, but also supports micro-enterprises as part of its business-friendly policy.

The city government, the Philippine Association of Local Treasurers and Assessors, and the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCCI) will conduct a one-day business forum to accredit interested micro-entrepreneurs into the ranks of BMBE-accredited enterprises on July 30 at the PHALTRA seminar hall at 139 Matahimik street in Barangay Central, Diliman.

Endriga said the passage of Ordinance 1576, approved by Belmonte, fleshes out the city’s micro-business economic program to help sustain businesses on a long-term basis.

QCCCI Foundation president Nathan Zulueta said BMBEs may also enjoy two years’ income tax exemption, exemption from minimum wage law coverage, financial support and technical support in distribution and production.

Zulueta invited micro-entrepreneurs – those with businesses whose assets are not more than P3 million – to attend the forum, which starts at 9 a.m., and see if they are qualified to enroll in the program. He also called on overseas Filipino workers, retirees, cooperatives and those planning to put up a new business to attend the event. – Perseus Echeminada