Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls on businesses to secure permits, pay taxes

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reminded businesses in the city to comply with government permits and pay the right taxes.

MCCI's comment comes following the recent closure of business establishments in the city due to lack of business permits.

MCCI vice president for external affairs Steven Yu called on businesses to secure the necessary permits to operate and pay the correct taxes.

"Compliance of business establishments in terms of securing permits and licenses, and paying the right taxes is essential to nation building," the official told The FREEMAN.

Yu stressed collaboration between the business community and the Mandaue city government is essential to boost development in the city.

"We are encouraging all Mandaue businesses to help Mandaue City foster a climate of partnership between private and public sectors for the future progress and development of the City," the MCCI official said.

Earlier, Mandaue's City Legal Office ordered the closure of MO2 Restobar, located in Mantawi Drive, for operating without a permanent business permit for two consecutive years.

According to the closure order reported earlier: "...premises considered and by virtue of the authority vested by the city mayor pursuant to the general welfare clause of RA (Republic Act) 7160, this closure order is hereby issued directing the closure of the business establishment of 1011 Restobar Incorporated operating under the name and style of MO2 Restobar, for operating without the required business permit and for wilful disregard of the security, safety and the welfare of the Mandauehanons.”

The closure of MO2 was mainly due to lack of permanent business permit from July 20 to Dec. 31, 2016 and July 24 to Dec. 31, 2017.

While the MO2 management secured a provisional permit, but it no longer processed its permanent business permit and just opt pay the P5,000 fine as the administrative penalty.

A provisional permit is issued to the establishment while it is still in the process of securing other requirements from the national government agencies including Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund and Philhealth.

Mayor Luigi Quisumbing was earlier quoted as saying that the other establishments are under surveillance.

Last February 8, the city government also closed Club Hatchi and Sentral Bar and Lounge for several violations.

Securing a trade name is essential in the business registration process. Depending on the type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation, or cooperative), businesses can register their trade name with the Department of Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

They must also get a business permit at the barangay or municipality/city where they are planning to operate.

Businesses must also secure a certificate of registration from Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Registering with the BIR will grant businesses authority to print official receipts, register books of accounts, and obtain a separate TIN.

Philippine law mandates businesses to enroll their employees in agencies such as SSS, GSIS, DOLE, HDMF, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG to ensure proper remittance of employee contributions.