Ormoc expects P300M from permits, RPT

THE Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) is expecting to collect close to P60 million from the renewal of business permits this month. Permits, Licensing and Franchising Chief Emilio G. Tingson said the assessed collection will come from the 4,900 registered businesses in Ormoc (see table).

While missing the target is possible because of business closures, Tingson said most establishments that usually cease operations are micro enterprises. Besides, these are offset by new business openings. There were 45 businesses that closed in Ormoc in 2010 for example, but there were also 771 new enterprises that opened the next year. Ormoc has 20 large-scale businesses, 63 medium, 343 small and 4,474 micro enterprises.
 

Deadline for renewal of permits is on July 20 with no extension. Businessmen who won’t make it to the deadline will have to pay a penalty. Tingson said there is no reason for an extension considering processing time takes only an hour after which the permit is immediately released.
 

This is made possible by a simplified and streamlined procedure in compliance with the joint memo circular issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of 

Trade and Industry imposing a unified form for permits application for all BPLOs.
 

Tingson said only two basic documents will be attached to the application for renewal: the barangay clearance and the previous year’s permit. Moreover, the permit will need only two signatures: the mayor’s and BPLO chief’s. The last time the Ormoc BPLO extended the renewal of permits was in 2002.
 

Meanwhile, City Treasurer Angelo Roman said they are targeting to collect P250 million from real property taxes. He reminded landowners to pay early their RPT this year to avail of a 10% discount. Last December, the discount was 20%. Late payers will incur a 2% penalty. by Elvie Roman-Roa
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Jan. 2-8, 2012)