MAYOR Celso Lobregat has directed all the personnel of city departments and offices, involved in the processing of business permits, to extend their working hours as well as to report for work on Saturdays and Sundays, starting January 2.
Lobregat said the work hour extension aims to accommodate the number of businessmen who flock to City Hall to renew their permits and apply for licenses for those who are opening up business in this city.
The offices involved in the renewal process are the City Treasurer’s Office, City Licensing Division, the Tricycle Adjudication Board, the Computer Services Division, City Health Office and City Planning and Development Office, among others.
The deadline for the filing of licenses and permits is January 20, thus businessmen must secure or renew business/license permits earlier.
Lobregat appealed to all businessmen in the city to process applications for renewal earlier to avoid penalties based on existing laws.
Late filing would mean a 25 percent surcharge plus additional two percent for every month of delay, he said.
Meanwhile, tables and chairs and other facilities have also been set up at the ground floor and second floor of the City Hall building to accommodate more clients as well as to ensure comfort and convenience to those processing their permits.
Through a directive, Lobregat has also initiated the early inspection of establishments based on the Business Processing and Licensing System, a program undertaken through the Transparent and Accountable Governance project funded by the United States Assistance for International Development through the Asia Foundation.
