Lesser business permit requirements

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has reduced the number of requirements for business permit to three starting this year.

Mayor Michael Rama said this would greatly help in bringing more investors and businesses to Cebu.

"Our intention is to encourage business, so how will they be encouraged if businessmen will get their permit after one month? That cannot be, "Rama said.

Previously, the City Treasurer's Office required business establishments to submit 13 requirements to avail of the said permit.

This year, CTO will only require three requirements; application form, print out ledger of current year and comparison of 2012-2013 income.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said the Bureau of Internal Revenue tax return income will be submitted on or before validation on April 20.

Business establishments are only allowed to renew their business permits from January 6 to 24. However, if the business owners opt to pay after the said date, additional charges will be imposed by CTO.

After January 24, business owners are required to pay two percent interest and 25-percent surcharge and penalties.

On January 6, CTO will hold a "one-stop-shop" at the SM Cebu Trade Hall to make it easier for businessmen.

There are at least 30,000 business establishments under the jurisdiction of the Cebu City government.

Cuevas said they already sent notices to these business establishments yesterday.

Rama believes that fewer requirements will also bring confidence and harmony to the business environment.

"Let the so-called regulatory inspection be done right away on schedule and check the business. Rather than we cannot issue (business permit) until they are being inspected because businessmen sometimes are in the mercy of regulation." Rama added.—/BRP (FREEMAN)