MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) -– The head of the Makati Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) clarified on Tuesday there has been no change in its processing of applications and releasing of business permits.
BPLO officer-in-charge Rosendo Alonzo Jr. denied allegations of intentional delays in the release of business permits, assuring applicants and the general public of transparency in the bureaucracy.
He said that the turnaround time for securing business permits in Makati is still the same – one to two days for renewal, and three to four days for new applications and change of business address, as locational clearance must be secured first.
Business owners who intend to open a business, or who have existing business permit but intend to transfer to a new location within Makati, must first apply for a locational clearance, he said.
Meanwhile, lot owners or lessees who intend to construct a structure in their respective properties, or tenants of buildings or structures who intend to do some renovations, should also apply for locational clearance prior to getting a building permit.
Alonzo said a locational clearance can be released in three days if requirements are complete and no site inspection is necessary. However, if site verification is necessary, it will take three to four days for the clearance to be released.
For other cases, the period of transaction for the same clearance depends on how soon the applicant can comply with the necessary documents.
On the other hand, the individual mayor’s permit for workers or employees is released within the day.
Locational clearance costs PhP200 while individual mayor’s permit is only PhP50.
He added that at present, they have not received any report about fixers taking advantage of business permit applicants.
“Right now, I have not heard of any concern regarding fixers for business permits here at city hall. At any rate, we encourage the public to report such incidents to us directly so we can take appropriate action,” Alonzo said.
“Aside from the policies and guidelines set by the International Organization for Standardization, we likewise strictly abide by ARTA or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 as this ensures efficiency in the delivery of government frontline services, including issuance of business permits,” he said. (PNA)