BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has issued a warning about the circulation of fake business permits.
“Attention, Ilonggos! We’ve received reports of fake business permits circulating. Protect yourselves and your businesses by transacting only at our official one-stop shop locations or at city hall,” read a post at Treñas’ official Facebook page.
He urged business permit applicants to be vigilant.
“Don’t fall victim to scams! Verify the legitimacy of your business permit transactions by visiting our authorized offices. Our team is also knowledgeable in identifying fake documentations,” according to the mayor.
He added: “If you have any doubts or concerns, reach out to our official channels. We’re here to assist you and ensure the smooth processing of your business permits.”
To assist the public further, the city government has transformed its off-site payment centers in various malls into one-stop shops.
These centers, located in SM City Iloilo, Festive Walk Mall, The Atrium, and Marymart Center, offer services such as issuing community tax certificates, health cards, Bureau of Fire Protection and tourism clearances, as well as PWD (persons with disabilities) and senior citizen cards, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses.
They also handle the renewal and issuance of new business permits, among other government fees.
Mayor Treñas encourages citizens to use these centers for efficient and expedited transactions.
As of Jan. 7, a total of 895 business renewal permits have been issued, and since Jan.y 2, 2,088 Tax Orders of Payment have been granted.
Last year, the city government issued business permits to 18,927 businesses./PN
