MANILA, Philippines – The cities of Manila, Marikina, Navotas, and Pasig have heeded the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) call to LGUs to extend the period of business permit renewal on account of the sudden spike of Covid cases this January.
The regular business permit renewal runs from January 3 until January 20. However, city mayors have the authority to extend the deadline, according to ARTA.
“Public health should be the government’s topmost priority right now. People traveling to city halls to renew their business permits and pay their real property tax would not help in curbing the spread of the virus,” said ARTA Director-General Jeremiah B. Belgica.
The City of Manila, the first one to extend its business permit renewal period, is currently the most lenient when it comes to the deadline.
Marikina City, Navotas City, and Pasig City have since followed with their announcements for the extension for renewal.
The following are the new deadlines set by the respective cities for the renewal of business permits this 2022:
- City of Manila: until March 31, 2022
- Marikina City: until February 28, 2022
- Navotas City: until January 31, 2022
- Pasig City: until January 31, 2022
Ordinance No. 003 signed by Mayor Marcy Teodoro states, “Whereas the extension of deadline for the renewal of business permits will help eliminate congestion and avoid the spread of the virus (COVID-19).”
Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco stated regarding the extension, “…in consideration of the safety and well-being of all taxpayers. We want to give them the chance to pay their dues when they are most comfortable to do so.”
Along with ARTA’S call to LGUs to extend the business permit renewal period this year, Belgica also stressed that LGUs should set up their electronic business one-stop shops. “Doing so will allow both the public and government employees to conduct their business-related transactions in a safe, contactless and convenient way, which is ideal especially during this pandemic,” he added.
Sources: The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Pasig City Public Information Office