By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — The one-stop-shop for business permits registration in this city, originally set from Jan. 3 to 20, has been extended until Feb. 28 following the approval of the City Council on Wednesday.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of committee on laws and ordinances, said they passed an ordinance for the extension of the deadline upon the request of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI).
“To assist our taxpayers and businessmen, we extended the deadline so they will not pay a penalty or surcharge (even if they renew after Jan. 20),” he said.
Business taxpayers who pay in full can avail of a 10-percent discount. Those renewing permits after Jan. 20 and will meet the Feb. 28 deadline will not be charged a 25 percent penalty.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier said he received a request from the MBCCI for an extension of the filing of permits and tax payment for the first quarter.
As of Jan. 8, the City Mayor’s Office-Permits and Licensing Division has received permit applications from 6,281 business establishments.
“I’m happy with this development because it shows that we sustain our efforts as a business-friendly city, and it’s very important,” the mayor said.
In 2018, Bacolod posted a record-high of 23,187 business permits registration, an indication that business confidence has been restored in the city, Leonardia said.
Between 2015 and 2018, business permits registration increased by 23.22 percent — from 18,817 to 23,187 by Dec. 31, 2018.
Last year’s registration was 5.33 percent higher than the 22,004 establishments registered in the entire 2017. The 2017 figures are higher by 15.68 percent compared to the 19,021 approved permits in 2016.
Stela Rose Rayos, head of the Permits and Licensing Division, said the processing of business permits this year is faster because the system is now fully automated, which makes the procedure easier.
The three standard steps for renewal only include encoding/assessment, payment/clearances, and receiving/releasing of mayor’s permit.
