Application, renewal of biz permits start today

CEBU, Philippines — The renewal and application of business permits in Cebu City will start today.

City Acting Treasurer Arlene Rentuza said the city government has set up a one-stop shop at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu for business permits’ renewal and application, which will run until January 25.

It will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At least 39,000 business establishments in Cebu City are expected to renew their business permits, said Rentuza.

She said 183 employees from the Business Permit and Licensing Office are assigned in the shop to process business permit renewal and accommodate new applicants.

Among the requirements in the renewal are duly-filled application forms, the preceding year’s income tax return with financial statements duly received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), preceding year’s sales journal or percentage tax returns of first, second, third quarters and for the months of October and November last year.

The firms will undergo procedures, such as application, evaluation and assessment, payments and printing of Temporary Mayor’s Business Permit, and verification of requirements and printing of final permit.

Rentuza said those business owners who fail to process the renewal within the given period will pay two percent interest and 25 percent surcharge and penalty fee.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the city government will allow entrepreneurs to continue doing business even if their applications are still incomplete as long as they are duly paying their tax obligations.

"We assure all taxpayer that they will be allowed to conduct business even if their application is not complete as long as you paid your taxes and you have not been closed down by city hall in the past," he said.

In 2017, the city government shut down several establishments of tax evaders. These include two branches of Rico’s Lechon in Barangay Panagdait and on Escario Street, Abuhan on Ramos Street, and Vic Enterprises on F. Gochan Street in Barangay Mabolo. (FREEMAN)