BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government has shut down 24 business establishments for operating without the necessary permits.
The Investment Services, Business Permits, and Licensing Division have been inspecting establishments for compliance with the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally.
Mayor Jerry Treñas signed the closure orders and directed these businesses to secure business permits after paying the penalties at the City Treasurer’s Office.
The 24 business establishments have not renewed their business permits this year, which is a violation of the City’s Local Tax Ordinance 2007-016.
“We have made it much easier for our business establishments to secure or renew their permits,” Treñas pointed out.
The city government has set up off-site Business Permit & Licensing Offices (BPLO) in malls to cater to business applications or renewal of permits.
“The business establishment can even apply for business permits online,” the mayor said.
Treñas urged the affected business establishment to visit the city’s licensing offices inside the malls for faster application or renewal of their business.
The City’s Local Tax Ordinance 2007-016 establishes the tax rates and regulations for various types of businesses and activities within the city.
It also outlines the obligations of individuals and entities to pay local taxes, fees, and charges imposed by the city government.
The ordinance covers key areas in business, occupational, amusement, and regulatory fees as well as penalties and enforcement.
The penalties and enforcement of the ordinance specify the penalties for non-compliance with its provisions and establish the mechanisms for enforcement by the city government.
These include provisions in the hiring of licensed security guards, health cards for food handlers, servers, and waiters, and installation of security cameras./PN
