DILG to relax requirements for business permits

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said yesterday they will be relaxing the submission of Social Security System (SSS) and Pag-IBIG requirements during the renewal of business permits to help businessmen.

Speaking before business leaders during the 18th Metro Manila Business Conference at the Manila Hotel yesterday, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said that they will not be requiring the SSS and Pag-ibig contribution certification upon renewal of business permits every Jan. 20 each year.

He said this will ensure that all businesses will be able to operate continuously because they do not need to rush all the requirements needed for a business permit.

However, he said the safety and security requirements will not be deferred and compliance will still be expected once they file for permit renewal in January. Robredo said the health and fire requirements should be submitted by Jan. 20 each year.

 “We deferred the submission of the certifications that do not affect safety and security only,” he explained further.

When asked if this means that employers will now be able to skip paying SSS and Pag-IBIG contributions, Robredo said no. “We will only be giving them an additional month to comply with the requirements. If we find out that they are not complying or giving their SSS contributions then they will not be allowed to renew their license the following year,” Robredo said.

Likewise, he warned that they have the power to revoke all business permits issued. “We can easily revoke their permit anytime if they do not comply,” he warned.

“We want to help the businessmen with their businesses because it is advantageous for us if they continue to operate,” Robredo noted. This he said, will be done next year.

Robredo said they will also develop a database to monitor the problem business and those who follow the regulations. Problem business will have a harder time renewing their permit while a special privilege will be given to complying firms.