ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/06 January) – All agencies involved in the renewal of business permits and registration of new businesses have extended their office hours to 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and will open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Jan. 5-20 to accommodate the applicants, city information officer Sheila Belen Covarrubias said Tuesday.
The offices include the Social Security System, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Fire Protection and City Health Office.
Benjie Barredo, chief of the Business Permits Licensing Office said the deadline for the renewal process is January 20.
Barredo said they expect the 8,235 businesses that were issued business permits last year to renew their papers this year.
He said late filers will be meted a 25-percent surcharge per quarter and two-percent additional surcharge monthly.
At the same time the city government said the processing of business permits will be more convenient with the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) system as long as the applicants bring with them all required documents.
The documents include barangay clearance and the permit issued last year for existing businesses.
Covarrubias said BOSS will follow four steps for permit renewal – presentation of 2014 business permits at the BPLO; securing of clearances from different offices, assessment and payment at the City Treasurer’s Office, and issuance of permit.
Applicants for new business registration will undergo three steps – submission of application form to BPLO, assessment and payment at the CTO, and issuance of temporary permit to operate.
Business operations may start after the issuance of the TPO but the requirements and clearances must be complied within 30 days for the issuance of the actual business permit.
Covarrubias said the requirements for new applications include Securities and Exchange Commission or DTI registration for single proprietorship, valid identification card and proof of ownership or lease contract. (MindaNews)