CAGAYAN de Oro City launched its annual business permit renewal and registration drive on Thursday. More than 30,000 business owners and taxpayers are expected to renew their permits by the January 20 deadline.
Assistant City Treasurer for Operations Engr. Leonil Mistula said over local radio that more than 400 business owners had already renewed their permits online and in person at the City Tourism Hall on the first day of the renewal period.
Mistula said the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) includes a designated office called the Revenue Examination Division (RED) to assist business owners with their financial documents.
He reminded taxpayers to bring their financial statements during the renewal process. For those without financial statements, a notarized sworn statement will be required.
“Usa klase sa atong pangayuon especially kung wala gyud syay mapakita nga financial statement so magpa sworn statement sya iyang pa notaryohan sa abogado iyang dal on sa opisina ug iyang ipresentar sa RED,” Mistula said.
The renewal period will run until January 20, unless the City Council approves an extension. Mistula said the city government has allocated sufficient time and resources to process renewals efficiently.
“Naa ta’y overtime after sa five o’clock nato weekdays nga trabaho, open kita ana taman alas syete sa gabii, Sabado, Dominggo open pud kita,” Mistula adding that the online renewal is accessible 24/7, and walk-in applicants are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mistula also confirmed that new business registrations are being accepted during the renewal period.
City Councilor George Goking, chair of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, said the business sector has not requested an extension of the renewal deadline.
“Sa atong tradition for the last nine years permi man gyud na nato i-remind pag hangyo, remember we only have two Mondays or two sessions (until the deadline),” said Goking.
The next session is scheduled for January 13. Goking advised the business sector to submit extension requests to Mayor Rolando Uy before then.
Goking noted that requests for deadline extensions are typically made due to financial difficulties following the December holiday season.
However, he said it would be more efficient if businesses renew without seeking an extension.
Mistula urged business owners not to wait until the last minute to renew their permits to avoid penalties.
“Kung mulapas na sa deadline anaa kitay penalty nga 25 percent surcharge and two percent interest per month. Dako-dako kana nga kantidad nga madugang sa ilang bayrunon,” said Mistula.
