Mandaue sets dates for renewal of permits

CEBU, Philippines - Businesses in Mandaue City that fail to renew their business permits this year will be shut down on February 1.

City treasurer Regal Oliva said that since last year the city has been sending demand letters to almost 1,000 business establishments.

“We will give them the chance to renew,” Oliva said.

If they fail to do so, the city will close their businesses, he said.

The city has designated four “one-stop business shops” to accommodate renewal of business permits this year.

These shops are located at the city hall, J. Centre Mall, Insular Square in barangay Basak, and the Mandaue Sports Complex.

Business owners have until Jan. 20 to renew their permits at city hall.

At the J Centre Mall and the Insular Square, business owners can renew their permits from Jan. 7 to 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Renewal of business permits at the Mandaue City Sports Complex is scheduled from Jan. 14 to 20, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Oliva said one can renew their business permits in 10 minutes.

Some 9,000 to 10,000 businesses are expected to renew their permits this year, he said.

Oliva said about 2,000 businesses operate in the city without permits.

“There are some who did not know that they need to get a permit,” Oliva said.

Despite the failure of some businesses to pay their taxes, the city remains “liquid,” with cash on hand amounting to P1.2 billion.

Some P100 million in real property taxes will be collected soon, Oliva said.

He said the city has not incurred any debt under the administration of Mayor Jonas Cortes. (FREEMAN)