Business sector backs extension of biz permit validity to 2 years

CEBU, Philippines — The business sector has backed the plan of the incoming government of Cebu City to extend the validity of business permits to two years.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Virgilio Espeleta said the chamber welcomes the two-year validity.

“It’s good for the business. In fact, other LGUs (local government units) in Cebu should consider that as well,” Espeleta told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Also, Presidential Assistant to the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino expressed support for the plan, which he said is a “pro-business.”

Dino, in a statement, said the move will make the city “business friendly” as it will encourage traders to register their businesses since it will be more convenient for them as they will be doing it only once every two years while taxes will be paid annually.

He added that the plan may also bring in more businesses to the Queen City of the South.

National Economic and Development Authority-7 Regional Director Efren Carreon, in the same statement, said this will make Cebu City an efficient government to deal with.

“I am personally happy if the plan for a two-year business registration will push through because it will really support the business sector in terms of the ease of doing business and this is a very direct translation of the law that will make ease of doing business part of the systems of government,” he said.

He added that this will make the business situation of Cebu City and the region more dynamic and more progressive.

The CCCI official, in fact, urged the government to get the business community’s input on how it can further streamline its processes.

“We in business would appreciate if consulted on the manner the permitting processes can be improved and streamlined,” he said.

Espeleta pointed out the government must also look into digitizing procedures.

“Online application and online payment are desirable. Inspection on compliance can just follow. Guidelines on penalties or suspension for non-compliance can be imposed,” he said.

Espeleta believes if the city government moves to digitalize most of its services, it could save a lot of time and prevent long queues at the City Hall.

In May 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business Act, vowing to make government transactions faster.

Republic Act 11032, which amends the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, has long been overdue measure seem to curb the perennial problem of bureaucratic red tape in government institutions.

The law introduces simplified requirements and streamlined procedures in frontline government agencies. (FREEMAN)