Capitol to start accepting renewal of permits early

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol will start accepting applications for renewal of business permit and accreditation by the second or third week of this month.

"Karon second or third week pwede na ta mo-accept og businesses renewals like permits and accreditations for 2017 para dili ma-bulk sa January and at the same time ma-cater tanan," said Edna Toring-Obeñita, acting revenue operations division chief.

 She said applicants can secure a business permit and accreditation at the Capitol within five minutes as part of the Cebu provincial government's effort to make applications and renewals simpler and faster.

 After submitting all requirements, she said, the applicant will get his business permit or accreditation in five minutes from the original 10-15 minutes processing time.

Obeñita said computerizing application and processing has been eyed to make government services more competitive and efficient using new technology.

 "We are streamlining our services," she said.

She said they already have a database on the permittees' Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) and photos for easy and hassle-free processing.

 "It's much easier kay naa na ta database. Easier this year for next year's renewal compared last year for 2016 kay i-evaluate tagsa-tagsa. Since na-put na nato ang database dali nalang and no need to bring na OR/CR and pictures. Application form nalang gyud ilang i-submit," she said.

"Nag-implement karon na year database in preparation for next year. Sige ta pangayo og requirements. Maluoy pud ta sa mga permittees and sa ato part voluminous which is unnecessary," she added.

 Obeñita said the permits and accreditation from the province are the primary requirements in getting or renewing business permit in the municipality by January next year.

 She urged the permittees to process the documents before the January 20 deadline for permits and January 30 or last working day of January for sand and gravel operators.

 She said they went around the 44 towns to inform the taxpayers about the new process and requirements.

 "It has always been a practice sa ato nga mag-info drive through publication in general circulation like newspapers, reminding tax payers to pay their taxes and fulfill their obligation samtang wala pay penalty," she said.

 After the said period, the permittees would be charged 25-percent surcharge and another 2 percent penalty per month.

For amusement places, owners would be paying P375 more of the regular P1,500 permit fee and P100 filing fee if they will not  pay on time. For sand and gravel operators, payment will depend on the volume. She said truck operators pay up to P1,000 but subject to the treasurer's evaluation and assessment through their OR/CR. 

 The province has 2,263 operators and permittees for non-sand and gravel, resorts, among others. It has also 1,174 truck operators (delivery trucks and vans, cigarette, water) and 13,700 number of trucks based on the number of stickers issued by the treasurer's office. (FREEMAN)