Six

1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

G oo d
P r a ct i ces

 Copyright by the
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, 2006
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by
any means without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published by:
Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) in cooperation
with the German Technical Cooperation - Small and Medium Enterprise
Development for Sustainable Employment Program (GTZ-SMEDSEP) and The
Asia Foundation (TAF)

Foreword
There is direct correlation between simplified business registration and
licensing procedures on one hand and business creation and investment
inflows on the other.
As shown by the experience of other countries such as Australia, a
reduction in the cost of doing business by three percent of the gross
domestic product (GDP), which includes business registration and licensing,
creates an extra USD 1.2 billion that is available for investments.
For the Philippines, such an amount is nearly equivalent to the average
yearly foreign direct investments (FDIs) over the last five years.
Therefore, it makes much sense to reduce the administrative and
regulatory burdens on businesses. For small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) which comprise 99.6 percent of all enterprises in the country, such
burdens are even heavier because of the SMEs small capitalization.
This handbook is both a recipe book and a toolkit to motivate and
enable local government units (LGUs) to streamline their respective
systems and procedures on business permits and licenses (BPL).
It is hoped that by streamlining their business permit and licensing
system (BPLS), LGUs will: (a) encourage informal businesses to register,
(b) spur the creation of new businesses, and (c) generate more revenues.
Consequently, the aggregate results will lead to the creation of more
employment opportunities and more social services and benefits for the
citizenry.
May this handbook therefore inspire other LGUs and the entire
government bureaucracy, and allow them to see that cutting red tape
to improve service delivery to businesses has a far-reaching impact in
improving the business and investment climate of the country. In effect,
such action is a form of investment that will yield multiple dividends and
profits a few years onwards!

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 


Department of Trade and Industry

Message
PETER B. FAVILA
Secretary

I welcome and laud the publication of this handbook, Good Practices:

Streamlining Business Registration in Local Government Units (LGUs), as it
represents a big step forward in our vision to transform government into a
more business-friendly organization.
In its bid to boost both countryside development and global competitiveness,
government considers the creation of an enabling environment for small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) as crucial. This is evident in the implementation of
the Anti-Red Tape Program for Local Governments through the Department
of Interior and Local Government, and the creation of the Anti-Red Tape Task
Force which is headed by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The development of this handbook is one of the initiatives under
Activity Group 10 of the SME Development Plan 2004-2010, which covers
Streamlining Business Regulatory Requirements. It provides good practices in
streamlined business registration system based on selected LGUs experiences
practices that promote the development of SMEs as well as improve the
revenue generation of LGUs. It is hoped that the stories of the featured LGUs
will encourage other local chief executives to adopt these good practices in
their respective localities.
May I take this opportunity to thank the German Technical CooperationSmall and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment
Program (GTZ-SMEDSEP) for its support in the publication of this material,
and the partner agencies from the government as well as the private sector
for their significant contributions in this undertaking. We look forward to
conducting more joint initiatives with all of you in support of the Presidents
10-point Agenda, particularly the provision of assistance to three million
entrepreneurs and the generation of six to 10 million jobs by 2010.
Mabuhay!

 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs


League of Cities of the Philippines

Message
Jerry P. Treas
Mayor, Iloilo City
LCP Natl Pres.

Greetings from the League of Cities of the Philippines!

Local Government Units play a vital role in the promotion and development
of small and medium enterprises that could become important drivers of
development for our country.
This handbook showcases good practices on streamlining business
registration from local government units across the country on how they
were able to improve and develop their own respective localities.
These experiences have shown the efforts of various local government
units in their commitment to promote a better climate for the emergence
of businesses.
I commend my fellow public servants who have risen above the challenge of
local autonomy and good governance. It is an honor to be working alongside
them for a community that deserves only genuine public service.
Our colleagues from these local government units have reaped the benefits
of a streamlined business registration. Let continuity and sustainability be the
new challenges for us as we strive to bring in fruitful economic reforms.
Once again, in behalf of the members of the League of Cities of the
Philippines, I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has taken
part in the success of this handbook.
Mabuhay!

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 

League of Municipalities
of the Philippines

Message
Ramon N. Guico Jr.
Mayor, Binalonan, Pangasinan
LMP National President

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) welcomes the advent

of this Handbook on Good Practices in Streamlining Business Registration
in LGUs.
Being location hosts to SMEs, muncipalities play a significant role in
encouraging business start-ups and providing a conducive environment for
their growth so that they can generate more economic activities for the
benefit of our local communities.
As provided for by the Local Government Code of 1991, the devolution
of powers and authority from the national government agencies (NGAs)
to LGUs allows the latter to have enhanced governmental and corporate
powers. Thus, from our point of view, this Handbook contributes to the
capacity-building of LGUs to become more responsive to the needs of the
business sector.
There are more than 1,500 municipalities nationwide and by their sheer
number, these LGUs probably host a larger percentage of the approximately
900,000 SMEs scattered in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao!
The inclusion of two of our colleagues in this handbook La Trinidad
in Benguet and Kalibo in Aklan shows that municipalities, in spite of their
smaller size and lesser resources, could contribute as much as the cities in
improving the business and investment climate of the Philippines.
On behalf of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, I would like to
express our gratitude for all the organizations behind the conceptualization,
development and production of this Handbook.
Maraming salamat po!

 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

List of Acronyms
AIM Asian Institute of Management
BAYS Center Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports Center
BIN
Business Identification Number
BIR
Bureau of Internal Revenue
BFP
Bureau of Fire Protection
BLFD
Business Licenses and Fees Division
BOI
Board of Investments
BOSS
Business One-Stop Shop
BPL
Business Permit and Licensing
BPLO
Business Permit and Licensing Office
BPLS
Business Permit and Licensing System
BPLTAS
Business Permit and Licensing Tax Assessment System
BSMED
Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
BTFD
Business Tax and Fees Division
CEMCDO
City Economic Management and Cooperative
Development Office
CEO
City Engineers Office
CHO
City Health Office
CIDA
Canadian International Development Agency
COA
Commission on Audit
CPDO
City Planning and Development Office
CSC
Civil Service Commission
CTC
Community Tax Certificate
CTO
City Treasurers Office
CVO
City Veterinarians Office
DILG Department of Interior and Local Government
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
eBPLS
electronic Business Permit and Licensing System
EDP
Electronic Data Processing
FGD
Focus Group Discussion
GR
Gross Receipt
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 

GSC
General Santos City
GSCCII
General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Inc.
GTZ
German Technical Cooperation
IEC Information, Education and Communication
IFC International Finance Corporation
LCE
Local Chief Executive
LCP
League of Cities of the Philippines
LGU
Local Government Unit
LMO
Lake Management Office
LTOO
Local Treasury Operations Officer
MCC
Muntinlupa Chamber of Commerce
NGAs
National Government Agencies
OBO
Office of the Building Official
PCCI
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PESO
Public Employment Service Office
PICPA
Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
PIN
Property Index Number
PLD
Permits and Licensing Division
QC
Quezon City
QCCCI
Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry
RCC
Revenues Collection Clerk
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
SI
Sanitation Inspector
SMEs
Small and Medium Enterprises
SMEDSEP
Small and Medium Enterprise Development for

Sustainable Employment Program
SP
Sangguniang Panlalawigan
SSS
Social Security System
TRACS
Tax Revenue and Collection System

 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Table of Contents
Foreword............................................................................................... 3
Message from DTI.................................................................................. 4
Message from the League of Cities of the Philippines........................... 5
Message from the League of Municipalities............................................ 6
List of Acronyms.................................................................................... 7
Introduction
Rationale...............................................................................................11
Approach..............................................................................................12
Defining Business Registration...........................................................12
New Business Permit Application.........................................................13
Business Permit Renewal.......................................................................14
Problems/Challenges Related to Business Registration........................15
Good Practices in Business Permit and Licensing (BPL)........................16
Six Good Practices
One: Process Improvement................................................................. 20
Two: Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS)................................................. 28
Three: Computerization...................................................................... 34
Four: Partnership and Participation..................................................... 38
Five: Information, Education, and Communication.............................. 42
Six: Customer Satisfaction................................................................... 48
annexes
Annex A: Administrative Order CL 84-2006....................................... 52
Annex B: Administrative Order CL 10-2005........................................ 54
Annex C: Sample Business Permit Application Form........................... 57
Annex D: Sample Business Permit....................................................... 59
Annex E: List of Key Informants and Contact Details.......................... 60
Annex F: Income Classification of LGUs ............................................. 63
Annex G: Members of the Consultative Body..................................... 64
Annex H: The DAP Project Team..................................................... 64

Introduction
Rationale
In a report entitled Doing Business in 2006 published by the World
Bank, it was found that businesses in poor countries face much larger
regulatory burdens than those in rich countries. They face three
times the administrative costs, and nearly twice as many bureaucratic
procedures and delays associated with them.
In the Philippines, cumbersome procedures of business registration
discourage local businesses, particularly SMEs, from securing business
permits. This reality prevents LGUs from increasing revenues derived
from business taxes. The same procedures constrain many businesses
from flourishing and formalizing their establishments, pushing them
to remain in the informal economy.
As the government endeavors to promote economic development,
it must work at creating an enabling environment for business, and
support the growth and development of SMEs which comprise 99.6
percent of the countrys business establishments and contribute 70
percent of employment.
This handbook on good practices in Streamlining Business
Registration in LGUs supports the Presidential Agenda of increasing
the number of SMEs and contributing to the creation of 6 to 10
million jobs by 2010. A project of the Bureau of Small and Medium
Enterprise Development (BSMED) under its SME Development Plan,
the handbook contains good practices in the issuance of business
permits and licenses found in 16 LGUs all over the country, and is
intended primarily as a sourcebook for local chief executives (LCEs)
and LGU officers in charge of issuing business permits and licenses.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 11

Approach
BSMED, through support of the German Technical Cooperation Small
and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment
Program (GTZ-SMEDSEP), tapped the services of the Development
Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to conduct the study and produce
the Handbook. An inter-agency Consultative Body was also formed
to provide data as well as direction (See Annex G).
Based on initial inputs from the Consultative Body, the DAP team
conducted a literature review and a documentation of LGUs with
good practices in streamlining business registration. Sixteen LGUs
were identified for inclusion in the Handbook based on the following
criteria:
Currently implementing reforms simplifying business registration
process (fewer signatures, less steps, less cost);
Outcome/Impact Good practice(s) adopted must have resulted
in increased business registration and/or increase in revenue;
Geographic location Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao must be
represented.
Size Small, mid, and metro-sized LGUs [based on Asian
Institute of Management (AIM) classification] must likewise be
represented; and
Good practices in streamlining BPL must have been documented
by local and international agencies.
The DAP team conducted field research in these LGUs using key
informant interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and process
observation as methodologies.
DEFINING BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Business, as defined in The Local Government Code of the Philippines,
means trade or commercial activity regularly engaged in as a means of
livelihood or with a view to profit.

12 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

The establishment of a business entails the registering of the business

entity with government agencies including the Department of Trade
and Industry or DTI (for single proprietorships) or the Securities and
Exchange Commission or SEC (for corporations and partnerships), or
the Cooperative Development Authority or CDA (for cooperatives),
and the LGU for local permits. Business registration is important
because the entity is given a legal existence. The Local Government
Code authorizes the LGU, through an appropriate ordinance of their
Sanggunian, to impose a tax, fee or charge on the business entity in
order to generate revenue.
There are two types of business permit applications, namely: starting
a new business and renewal of existing business. They differ in terms
of documentary requirements, number of steps and processing times.
A new business permit application takes longer since it entails more
documentary requirements (which correspondingly involves more
interfacing transactions with other government agencies) and number
of steps.
NEW BUSINESS PERMIT APPLICATION
The different levels of requirements for new business permit application can
best be summed up by the following1:
1. Screening procedures (e.g., notarize company deeds, open a
bank account and deposit start-up capital, register company at
DTI or SEC);
2. Tax-related requirements (e.g., register for various taxes including
value added tax or VAT);
3. Labor/social security-related requirements (e.g., register with
pension funds, register for social security, register for various
insurances such as accident);

Taken from International Finance Corporation (IFC) Toolkit

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 13

4. Safety and health requirements (e.g., pass inspections and obtain

certificates related to work safety, building, fire, sanitation, and
hygiene); and
5. Environment-related requirements (e.g., obtain environment
certificate, register with the waste management and water
discharge authorities).

BUSINESS PERMIT RENEWAL

Application for a business permit renewal, on the other hand, takes a
relatively shorter time since many reforms have already been instituted
by LGUs to speed up the process, such as the institutionalization of
the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS). Under the Local Government
Code, all local taxes, fees and charges shall be paid within the first
twenty (20) days of January or of each subsequent quarter, as the
case may be. The Sanggunian concerned may, for a justifiable reason
or cause, extend the time of payment of such taxes, fees, or charges
without surcharges or penalties, but only for a period not exceeding
six (6) months.
Key Performance Indicators
Simplifying the business registration process in an LGU can greatly ease
the burden of applicants and make the process of doing business with
the LGU more convenient. The performance of the business permits
and licensing office in an LGU can be gauged by the improvement in
the following key performance indicators:
Number of businesses that applied/renewed application for a
business permit;
Time allotted to secure a business permit;
Number of steps (including signatures) required to secure a
business permit;
Number of documentary requirements; and
Revenue generated from business registration.
14 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

PROBLEMS/CHALLENGES
RELATED TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Although the Local Government Code covers the business registration
process to some extent, its efficiency and effectiveness is largely
dependent on the LGUs ability to create and apply approaches
that make the process more customer-friendly and convenient, thus
ultimately increasing business registrations. However, there is a need
to review the process in order to address areas for improvement.
Some of the most frequent complaints of business permit applicants/
customers are:
Procedures
Long waiting time and difficulties in obtaining clearances from nonLGU entities (i.e., barangay, Bureau of Fire Protection or BFP, City
Health Office or CHO, City Engineers Office or CEO, and the
Social Security System or SSS);
Too many or repetitious steps;
Lack of clear and standard systems, requirements, and computation
of fees;
Slow processing time due to manual procedures;
Proliferation of illegal fixers who charge exorbitant fees;
Use of connections and grease money to facilitate processing;
and
Lack of information on process flow and requirements, time frames,
laws governing LGUs.
Requirements
Too many requirements of National Government Agencies (NGAs);
and
Signatures needed/signatories too many and/or not easily
available.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 15

Customer Orientation
Lack of personnel or staff who are competent, ethical, and
customer-oriented; and
Uncomfortable physical environment in BPLO lack of space and
ventilation.
Proximity of Offices
Distance to barangay hall and inaccessibility of signatories in
barangay; and
Scattered geographic location of offices needed for transactions.
Others
Forms difficult to fill up; and
High volume of applicants during renewal period.
Good Practices in
Business Permit and Licensing (BPL)
In coming up with the categories or themes of good practices, the DAP
team deemed it necessary to define the term good practice. Good
practices are said to be approaches that have been shown to be:
effective and sustainable;
contributory to significant business results; and,
applicable in and replicated by others in different situations.
Good practices are innovative, and provide guidance for others.
They follow systematic processes, are customer-oriented, and must be
transparent.
In employing good practices, it is important to:
learn from each others experiences, successes and failures;
avoid mistakes; and,
introduce more efficient approaches to generating more business
for the LGU.
16 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Six Good Practice Categories in Business Permits and

Licensing based on the results of the research done in 16 LGUs:
1. Process Improvement making business registration and
renewal as simple and short as possible through reduction in steps,
signatures and requirements
2. Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) convening all offices
involved in the BPL process in one area during the annual business
renewal period every January 2-20
3. Computerization the LGUs use of information and
communication technology (ICT) hardware and software
applications in the BPL process, particularly for purposes of
assessment, payment and data banking
4. Partnership and Participation developing multi-sectoral
alliances to achieve a common goal or to improve performance.
Generating participation, on the other hand, means engaging the
citizenry in contributing meaningfully to government activities such
as the improvement of the design and implementation of LGU
policies, programs, projects, and services.
5. Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
promotional activities, information campaigns and mechanisms,
and even capability building interventions. IEC in the BPL involves
informing potential and existing customers about the requirements,
procedures, and service delivery levels involved in the business
permit and renewal process.
6. Customer Satisfaction pleasing or satisfying clients
who are applying for or renewing their business permits, to
systematically obtaining client feedback and to providing amenities
(e.g., waiting lounges, air-conditioning unit, coffee, candies, etc.)
as well as training staff to provide excellent customer service
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 17

The matrix below shows which among the LGUs studied

implemented these good practices.
Good Practices in Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs
Island
Group

Good Practices in Streamlining Business Registration

LGUs

Process

BOSS Computerization

Partnership
Customer
IEC
and
Satisfaction

Luzon

Cabuyao,
Laguna

La Trinidad,
Benguet

Marikina
City

Muntinlupa
City

Naga City

Quezon
City

Visayas

Bacolod
City

Iloilo City

Kalibo,
Aklan

Ormoc
City

Mindanao General

Santos City

Iligan City

Ozamiz City

Surigao City

Malaybalay
City

Zamboanga
City

18 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Process Improvement
Process Improvement means making the business registration
and renewal process as simple and efficient as possible. One way
this can be done is by reducing the procedure to that which is
most essential. It involves reviewing the current processes and
determining which steps and signatures are necessary and which
ones can be eliminated. It may also include documenting new
procedures and requirements.
Long processes that are often accompanied by such inconveniences
as long queues, uncomfortable office surroundings, or long
distances between offices from which signatures are required,
discourage businesspersons from registering.
Simple business registration and renewal processes, which
minimize steps and signatures, attract more businesses to register.
These translate to more revenues for the LGU. These also result
in better quality service in the eyes of the clients as well as those
of other stakeholders.
Almost all LGUs cited in this study implemented process
improvement.
The cities of Ormoc, Bacolod, Iligan, Ozamiz, General Santos,
Zamboanga, Surigao, and Malaybalay conducted a time and motion
study, and based on the results, identified how their BPL process
could be streamlined.
Another approach adopted was the conduct of advance
inspections (fire, sanitation, building, etc.) prior to the renewal
period. These inspections are held from February to November
of each year. Still, other LGUs issue either temporary permits or
the final/approved documents even if the applicant does not have
or has not completed submission of the required clearances or
necessary documents, in which case, the applicant is given a period
from one to six months to submit these requirements.
20 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Muntinlupa City
In 2001, two-time Most Business-Friendly City awardee of the
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Muntinlupa
City reduced its 14-step business permit renewal process to 12 steps
and further reduced it to six steps in 2003. It did this by deleting from
the process those agencies that merely noted down the business
basic data. The agencies deleted were the Zoning Office, City Health
Office (CHO), Fire Department, Lake Management Office (LMO),
and Public Employment Service Office or PESO (see Table 1). After
the renewal period, the BPLO itself provides these agencies with the
updated data.
Table 1. Reduction in Number of Steps in Business Permit Renewal

Steps in Business Permit

Renewal (2001)

1. BPLO (Examination of Application,

Declared Gross Receipts/Sales and
Supporting Documents)
2. Zoning Office (Issuance of Zoning
Clearance)
3. City Building Off ice or CBO
(Endorsement with Tax Order of
Payment)
4. CHO (Health and Sanitation
Clearance)
5. Fire Department (Fire Safety
Clearance)
6. LMO (LMO Clearance)
7. PESO and SSS Clearance
8. BPLO (Computer Billing Section)
9. Treasury (Issuance Community Tax
Certificate And Official Receipts)
10. BPLO Chief (Recommending
Approval)
11. Mayors Office (Mayors
Approval/Signature)
12. BPLO (Releasing)

Steps in Business Permit

Renewal (2003)
1. BPLO (Examination of Application,
Declared Gross Receipts/Sales,
and Supporting Documents)
2. CBO (Endorsement with Tax
Order of Payment)

3. BPLO Computer Section (Issuance

of Computer Billing for Payment)
4. Treasury (Issuance of Community
Tax Cer tif icate and Of f icial
Receipts)
5. Signatories (BPLO Chief and
Mayor)
6. BPLO Releasing

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 21

As a result of this effort, there was a steady increase in the number

of registered businesses from 2003 onwards (Figure 1). Correspondingly,
a steady rise in business permits and local taxes collection was also
observed for the same period (Figure 2).
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000

Figure 1. Number of
Registered Businesses,
2001-2005

2000
0

2001

2002

2003

2004

Figure 2. Business and

Local Taxes Collection,
2001-2005

400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

2005

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Ormoc City
Ormoc City conducted a time and motion study in January 2005, which
led to the streamlining of its BPLS in 2006. This effort resulted in the
reduction of the BPL cycle from 14 to 5 steps for business renewal,
and 17 to 10 steps for new businesses.
The streamlining process was done in four stages. The first stage
involved the conduct of the first time and motion study (diagnosis)
in January 2005, which revealed that processing and issuing business
permits took quite some time. The findings were shared and validated
22 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

with the various stakeholders. This was followed by the planning

stage, wherein the LGU involved all stakeholders in crafting a one-year
action plan identifying several action steps for implementation in the
next business permit renewal period. The third stage was the actual
implementation of planned improvements to the BPL system during
January 2006. The last stage entailed the conduct of another time and
motion study to determine if the efforts led to a better BPL system
(evaluation).
They reduced steps by merging the fire departments assessment
of fees with that of the BPLO. Clearances from land tax and water
sections are no longer required.
Likewise, they implemented pre-registration and early certification.
Businesspersons are now allowed to secure clearances from local units
such as the fire department, health office, and building office, and
national government agencies (NGAs) like the DTI, Philhealth and SSS,
prior to the business renewal period.
Table 2 shows which among the steps were removed from the
2005 BPL cycle.
The streamlined process resulted
In Iligan City, one needs
in a processing time shortened from
a barangay clearance and an
17 days to 2 days, number of forms
official receipt plus an Affidavit
of Undertaking to get a business
or documents needed reduced
permit. For a minimal fee, business
from 12 to 6, and an increase in
owners are given the option
number of business renewals from
to submit their requirements
2,475 in 2005 to 2,779 in January
from NGAs up to 60 days after
2006.
release of permit. This allows
them to operate their businesses
Likewise, there was an 85 percent
immediately. This significantly
increase in income from business
shortens processing time from
permits, from PhP 23.067 million
one week to less than a day.
to PhP 42.667 million, for the
first quarters of 2005 and 2006,
respectively.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 23

Table 2. Comparison of BPL Steps in Ormoc City (2005 and 2006)

2005 BPLS

2006 BPLS

New Business
1. Barangay Office (Application Form)
2. Fire Department (Fire safety assessment)
3. BPLO (Business Fees & Taxes Assessment)
4. CTO (Payment of Assessed Fees and
Taxes)
5. CTO Waterworks Sec. (Check for Water
Bills)
6. CTO Land Tax Section (Land Tax
Arrears)
7. CTO (Approval of Assessment)
8. Lawyers Office (New Business Application
Form)
9. CPDO (Zoning Clearance)
10. CEO (Engineering Clearance)
11. Fire Department (Get fire safety inspection
certificates)
12. CHO (Sanitary Health Permit)
13. DTI (New Business Name Application;
clearance)
14. SSS (Application, initial contribution,
clearance)
15. Philhealth (Application, clearance, first
payment
16. Pag-Ibig (Application, clearance, first
payment)
17. BPLO (Issuance of Mayors Permit)

New Business
1. BPLO (Application)
2. Barangay (Business Clearance)
3. DTI (Business Name)
4. BPLO (Assessment)
5. City Treasurer (Payment of Fees)
6. City Legal (Subscription of Application)
7. BPLO (Issuance of Permit)
8. BPLO Chief (Recommending Approval)
9. City Mayor (Approval/Signature)
10. BPLO (Release of Permit)

Renewal
1. Mayors Office (Application Form)
2. BPLO (Application Form)
3. Barangay Office (Barangay Clearances)
4. Fire Department (Fire Safety Assessment
5. BPLO (Licensing; Payment to Cashier)
6. CTO Land Tax Section (Land Tax
Arrears)
7. CTO Waterworks Sec. (Check for Water
Bills)
8. CTO (Payment to Water and Land Tax
Cashier)
9. Fire Department (Get fire safety inspection
certificates)
10. CHO (Sanitary Health Permit)
11. SSS (Obtain SSS clearance)
12. Philhealth (Clearances, Payments)
13. Pag-Ibig (Clearances, Payments)
14. BPLO (Receive documents, issue Mayors
permit)

Renewal
1. BPLO (Application)
2. BPLO (Assessment)
3. City Treasurer (Payment of Fees)
4. City Legal (Subscription of Application)
5. BPLO (Issuance of Permit)
6. BPLO Chief (Recommending Approval)
7. City Mayor (Approval/Signature)
8. BPLO (Release of Permit)

24 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Zamboanga City
Like Ormoc City, Zamboanga City conducted a time and motion study,
which became the basis of its process improvement efforts beginning
in 2005. The study resulted in several reforms, which reduced total
processing time.
One measure is the conduct of advance inspections by the concerned
entities on fire, health, engineering, city planning and development,
agriculture, veterinary, and city legal matters (Administrative Order
No. CL- 84-2006 in Annex A). This practice ensures that all required
clearances and certificates have been secured before the renewal
period.
Another measure adopted by the LGU is the advance-assessmentand-payment scheme, which allows businesspersons to pay their
business taxes even before the processing of their application for a
business permit and completion of documentary requirements to avoid
the stampede during the renewal period (Administrative Order CL10-2005 in Annex B). However, their failure to comply with/submit
requirements without valid reason will mean forfeiture of such advance
payment in favor of the LGU.
In the first quarter of 2006, business tax collections increased by
18.3 percent, that is, from PhP 44 million in 2005 to PhP 52.1 million
in 2006.
In Surigao City, clearances from the CHO, BFP, Zoning Office and CEO
are waived during the business renewal period so that the business owners can
complete the registration process in as short a time as possible. A portion of
the business permit form indicates that a certain establishment is subject to
inspection/compliance within a month.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 25

26 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS)

In the BOSS, signatories of departments or offices that are
involved in issuing or renewing a business permit are usually clustered
within an open area to make processing more transparent and to
try to eradicate any opportunity for the commission of graft. This
set-up is usually found in LGUs during the annual business renewal
period every January 2 to 20.
Renewing business permits can be a time-consuming and costly
experience for most businesspersons. They have to comply with more
than a dozen requirements from different local offices and NGAs.
They also have to move from one office to another as these offices
are geographically dispersed throughout the city/municipality.
The BOSS cuts down the time, money, and effort usually needed
to secure or renew a business permit. It allows enterprises to
complete all business renewal requirements at one time (although
for some LGUs, it includes processing of new business applications
as well), and the entire process usually takes from 15 minutes to
an hour. The key concern of the BOSS is to make the renewal of
business permits more convenient for enterprises.
The DILG, through Memorandum Circular No. 2001-120,
mandates all provincial governors, city mayors, and municipal mayors
to implement the Anti-Red Tape Program for Local Governments
through the establishment of a One-Stop Shop Processing Center
to complement the simplification of internal regulatory systems.
The BOSS is a practice found in most of the LGUs studied, but
some apply unique approaches in their localities.
In Cabuyao, General Santos City, Ormoc City, and Iligan City,
the physical layout of offices involved in the BOSS is arranged
sequentially, following the movement of papers as indicated in the
BPLS flowchart.
Quezon City, General Santos City, and Malaybalay City likewise
created separate lanes and schedules for bookkeepers doing multiple
transactions so that businesspersons with single transactions have
no need to wait.

28 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Cabuyao
Cabuyao is the by-word when it comes to the BOSS model for business
permit processing. It was the LGUs timely response to the sudden rise
in applications for business permits and licenses in 1995, mainly due to
the influx of businesses in the rapidly growing municipality.
The local governments old session hall houses the BOSS during the
annual business registration period from January 2 to 20, extending
up to the end of the month. Dedicated to the operation of the BOSS,
it is a 250-sqm. hexagonal, single-detached structure a few steps away
from the municipal building.
A total of 10 workstations are spread across the hall, as indicated
in the office layout (Figure 3). Personnel from the BPLO, Treasury,

Figure 3. Office Lay-out of

steps in BPLS
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 29

Regulatory Section (fire, engineering, health, etc.), and the Mayors

Office staff these stations.
Personnel assigned to the information section located at the
hall entrance distribute application forms, brief applicants on the
requirements, and give out priority numbers.
A process flowchart is illustrated on a bulletin board also located
at the entrance.
After filling out the forms and attaching all the requirements,
applicants wait for their numbers to be called while enjoying free snacks
and refreshments. Once called, they then go through the process of
securing the business permit and license, ideally all in one hour flat
a far cry from what used to take three days.
Such efficiency started to bring more in revenues to the LGUs
coffers. From PhP 5.34 million in 1995, revenue rose to PhP189.95
million in 2005.
The meteoric increase has made it possible for the LGU to vastly
improve basic services and undertake more infrastructure projects.
Malaybalay City
The setting up of the BOSS in the City of Malaybalay was one of the
recommendations arising from a time and motion study conducted
in 2005.
During the January 2006 BOSS implementation, the LGU improved
the physical layout, ensured the presence of NGAs like the Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR) at the site, allowed conditional approval for
applicants who had no record of violations in the previous year, and
arranged for the preparation of a separate schedule for accountants
or bookkeepers who were processing five or more applications.
These measures effectively reduced processing time from two to three
days to just two hours.
As a result, there was a 119.06 percent increase in business taxes
collection from PhP 3.27 million in 2005 to PhP 7.16 million in 2006.

30 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Bacolod City

The BOSS in action in Bacolod City.

The establishment of a BOSS at the Bacolod Arts,Youth and Sports

(BAYS) Center focused on space and convenience factors. The Bacolod
City Hall infrastructure could not accommodate the 12,000 to 13,000
clients annually who either renew or apply for a business permit.
Likewise, both time and effort are required in traveling the distances
between various offices from which clearances are issued, such as the
Office of the Building Official (OBO), CHO, City Veterinarians Office
(CVO), CTO and NGAs.
To further improve the services as well as to increase the efficiency
and effectiveness of the BOSS, the LGU initiated the following reforms
in 2006:
Authorizing the Secretary of the
In Surigao City, the
Mayor makes it a point
Mayor to sign business permits on
to be at the BOSS site
behalf of the Local Chief Executive
on the first day to greet
(LCE).
the first client and give
Color coding transaction areas to let
the person a token. He
clients know which type of transactions
also monitors the time
it takes for said client to
are required for their renewal.
complete the process.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 31

BPLO staff in the BOSS operation in Muntinlupa City.

Making city-accredited Notary Publics available within the

premises of the BAYS Center who charge PhP 50.00 for their
services and PhP 20.00 for documentary stamps.
Ensuring the presence of all 61 Barangay Captains or Treasurers to
facilitate the issuance of the barangay clearance and Community
Tax Certificates (CTCs) to business owners (in compliance with
DILG MC No. 2001-120, or the Anti-Red Tape Program for Local
Government).
These reforms resulted in trimming
down the processing time from nine
days in 2005 to two days in 2006.

32 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

In La Trinidad, the Mayor

ensures his availability to sign
business permits for the entire
duration of the BOSS.

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Computerization
With the introduction of ICT in their areas, many LGUs have
begun computerizing their business registration processes. In fact,
more than half the LGUs included in the study have implemented
full or partial computerization of the BPLS.
Muntinlupa City and Naga City developed their own electronic
business permit and licensing system (eBPLS). Quezon City has
computerized the operations of their assessment and treasury units
to ensure standard and uniform assessment of fees and taxes, while
the remaining LGUs have systems development that are either
ongoing or in the planning stage.
The cities of Bacolod, Iligan and General Santos have adopted
the Tax Revenue and Collection System (TRACS) a computer
system that allows interconnection among the LGUs treasury,
assessment and BPL divisions and provides complete database and
tracking capabilities on the LGUs income sources.
LGUs that have implemented an
eBPLS realized increased efficiency
in the delivery of services, improved
citizen engagement in government, and
increased revenue collection. Other
benefits are greater transparency,
further convenience, less
corruption, and
reduced cost.

34 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Quezon City
What is worth noting in Quezon City (QC) is that computerization
has enabled local enterprises to make transactions at the citys off-site
collection branches in five strategic locations: Cubao, Galas, La Loma,
Novaliches, and Talipapa. These off-site branches are electronically
linked to the main server of the city government, which guarantees
updating of its payments database in real time.
QC was one of the first LGUs to computerize the operations of its
assessment and treasury departments in 2001. The move effectively
resulted in a speedy and accurate computation of fees and taxes. More
importantly, it minimized opportunities for fraud and corruption.
Computerization signaled the start of a series of reforms
implemented by incumbent QC Mayor Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr.
These reforms have resulted in a dramatic turn-around of a once
financially bankrupt LGU (Figure 4).
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-1
-2

Business & Local Taxes

Total Income
Net Income

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Figure 4. Comparative Data on

Income from Business & Local
Taxes, Total and Net Incomes,
2000-2005, Quezon City, in
billion Pesos

Naga City
Naga City LGUs Electronic Data Processing (EDP) office first developed
the Business Permits and License Tax Information System in 1993. The
program, which has since undergone two improvements, allows the
local governments Business Licenses and Fees Division (BLFD) to store
and see immediately the license, permits, tax, and clearance status of
all business entities registered with them.
When a business owner applies for renewal of his license, the
software allows the BLFD to make a quick assessment by simply typing
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 35

the business entitys company name. This will open a window that will
show the assessment of tax and fees, and any delinquencies with the
CHO, BFP, CEO, and the CPDO.
The software, however, is not merely a database that stores all this
data. It allows the various concerned offices such as the CHO, CEO,
CPDO, and BFP to update the database at any time during the year, in
effect providing the BLFD real-time access to information. This ensures
that the database is automatically updated and eliminates the need to
constantly encode or upload the data from another source.
Aside from this facility, business owners may also download
application forms from the Naga City website (www.naga.gov.ph)
and, through the citys E-Biz facility, view information regarding their
businesses online with the use of a Business Identification number
(BIN) and Property Index Number (PIN) codes.
The BIN and PIN codes allow business owners to check the status
of their business license records such as business data, assessment, and
payments, and whether they have to secure any clearances from the
concerned offices the next time they renew their licenses.

Figure 5. Sample window of Naga Citys Business Permits and License Tax
Information System.

36 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Partnership and Participation

Partnership-building for the LGU involves purposively developing
multi-sectoral alliances with NGAs, the private sector, and
NGOs to achieve a common goal. Generating participation, on
the other hand, means encouraging the citizenry to contribute
meaningfully to government activities, such as improving the
design and implementation of LGU policies, programs, projects,
and services.
Almost all the LGUs covered in the study were found to have
forged partnerships with the business sector or NGAs to improve
their BPL registration and renewal processes. LGUs also utilize
various consultative mechanisms to solicit citizen/stakeholder
inputs (i.e., issues/concerns, ideas/suggestions for improvement).
These mechanisms include the conduct of meetings, fora, focus
group discussions, workshops, and public hearings. Through
consultation and dialogue with stakeholders, the LGUs make
people a part of the BPL process as well as the solutions to the
problems encountered.

38 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Quezon City
The Quezon City government forged a strong tie-up with the Quezon
City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCCI) and the QCCCI
Foundation in its quest to be a more business-friendly city. The
partnership led to the establishment of a databank which serves as
a source of information on all business enterprises in the city. The
information is accessible through electronic networking. The system
allows those registering their business or renewing their permits to
download the application forms. To sustain the databank, the QC-BPLO
collects an additional PhP 100 fee from every business establishment
and remits this to the QCCCIF for the databank maintenance.
In 2004, the LGU, Liga ng mga Barangay, and the QCCCI Foundation
jointly initiated the Barangay ICT Program, through which each of the
citys 142 barangays acquired its own computer system with online
connection to the City Hall. This facilitated payments by enabling
taxpayers to inquire about their liabilities through their respective
barangays.
Iligan City
Every last quarter of the year, the city government holds a forum with
representatives from the LGU, NGAs, business owners, bookkeepers,
and interested individual taxpayers. The participants discuss changes and
possible improvements in the business registration and renewal process.
Called Forum for Business Renewal, this event began in October 1998 when
a group of accountants and bookkeepers clamored for faster processing
of business permit issuances and recommended that the BPLS process
be streamlined. The practice has been supported by every mayor who
assumed office in Iligan City.
The city government also taps different organizations like the
Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the
local chamber of commerce for inputs.
It is important to note that the LGU believes in maintaining a good
relationship with the other agencies involved in the process in order
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 39

to promote consultation and dialogue

towards continuous improvement. It took
some time before it got the cooperation of
these agencies, but through the years, these
offices agreed that there is a need to come
together and this has led to Memoranda of
Understanding and Agreement for a better
process and system.

Taxpayers lounge in Iligan City BPLO

40 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

The Kalibo LGU

maintains good
relationships with
NGAs involved in
the BPL process.
It coordinates with
the Civil Service
Commission (CSC)
for skills improvement
of its BPLS staff. It
promptly submits
requirements to
Commission on Audit
(COA), and works
closely with DTI for
business requirements.

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Information, Education, and Communication

Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) refers to
promotional activities, information campaigns and mechanisms,
and capability building interventions. IEC in the BPL system involves
informing potential and existing customers about the requirements,
procedures, and service delivery levels involved in the business
permit and renewal process.
All the LGUs studied used various media to inform, educate, and
communicate with their customers. They produced print materials
such as flyers, leaflets, brochures, guidebooks and fact books that
describe the business registration and renewal process, service
delivery levels, process owners, and documentary requirements.
The LGUs also use posters, instruction boards or billboards, and
flow charts where the instructions or procedures are enumerated
in a language that the taxpayer can easily understand. These visual
aids are prominently displayed in strategic areas within the BPLO,
e.g., the entrance.
Some LGUs use interpersonal communication to orient
participants on the BPL process. Three LGUs cited that they utilize a
roving jeep with a public
address system, w h i c h
i s u s e d f o r information
dissemination on the BPL
prior to the r e n e w a l
p e r i o d . Additionally,
certain LGUs also use
broadcast media such as
radio and television as
well as the Internet for
their campaigns.

42 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Ozamiz City
As early as December, a month prior to the business permits and
license application season, there is an information drive or rekorida
wherein public announcements are made regarding the BPLS as well
as the deadline for application.
Another practice is that of convening the barangay captains at
least a month before the operation of the BOSS for an orientation on
what will happen during renewal period. This practice helps reduce
the difficulties that registrants encounter when getting the barangay
clearance from their chairmen.
General Santos City
The LGU of General Santos City educates its constituents through
various means. For one, it publishes and disseminates a service manual
called Procedural Guidelines that contains the processes involved
in transacting business with the city government, e.g., securing of
business permits and licenses and other services offered by different
city government offices. This manual was
jointly produced by the City Government and
General Santos City Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (GSCCCI) to further enhance
and improve the delivery of basic services to
the people.
Investors and business persons can also log
on to the citys website, www.gensantos.gov.
ph, to access information such as the BOSS
schedule, process flow, and requirements for
business permit renewal and applications.
Every Friday, the City Government
conducts the City Hall sa Barangay where
the City Mayor and the heads of offices bring
Service manual distributed
to constituents by General
the services of the city hall to the people in
Santos City LGU.
the barangays.
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 43

Kalibo
The Kalibo LGU carries out massive information dissemination through
its own Community Broadcast Information System. Every morning,
constituents can call the LGU hotline for any complaints on its services.
They can even dialogue with the mayor on their concerns.
The LGU also puts up flowcharts and signages in its office.
In line with its thrust to deliver prompt and efficient service to
its clientele, the LGU produced a Service Handbook which itemizes
all transactions in the LGU with their corresponding fees, time
allotment per step/station, contact persons, flowchart of each service,
requirements and procedures, etc. This handbook is currently being
updated to include new systems and new fees.
As our valued client, it is important that you
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When dealing with us,
You have the right:
1. to be treated with courtesy
2. to review and appeal
3. to file a complaint
4. to confidentiality
5. to access information and services
6. to comfort and convenience while waiting to be served.
For us to serve you better, we encourage you to:
1. treat agency staff with courtesy
2. attend scheduled meetings regularly
3. give accurate and timely information
4. observe agency policies
5. extend cooperation and support in the processing of your business transactions
6. be actively involved or participate in the development programs
and other undertakings of the agency.
Source: Kalibo Service Guide Handbook

44 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Since clients have a clear picture of how, to whom, at what cost,

and the length of time their transaction will require, fixers and underthe-table transactions have been eliminated.
Marikina City
In 2004, Marikina City issued a Citizens Fact Book a guide to
essential city services, offices, and processes. The Fact Book contains
a vast amount of useful data on
Marikina City. It has a list of the
top 100 business establishments,
population ratios, health statistics,
and progress indicators. It
also contains details on the
requirements and procedure
for business permit applications
new applications, applications
for renewal, and the retirement
of businesses.
Marikina City also issues
b ro c h u r e s o n t h e B P LO
requirements and processes;
pamphlets on basic services and
current facts; and flyers letting
citizens know of the latest city
programs and projects.
Marikina has its own radio
station where citizens are updated
through radio programs on the
City Government programs and
services.

Brochure distributed by Marikina City BPLO.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 45

Six
1
2
3
4
5
6

Process

Good
Practices

Improvement
The Business One-Stop Shop
Computerization
Partnership and Participation
Information, Education and Communication
Customer Satisfaction

Customer Satisfaction
The key to any service delivery is the customer. The customer
is the be-all and end-all of any organization. Because organizations
exist to serve their customers, knowing what pleases them is of
prime importance. Most of the LGUs in this study expressed
awareness of satisfying the taxpayers who are either applying for
or renewing their business permit.
Some LGUs have been systematic in finding out how to achieve
customer satisfaction. They obtain customer feedback through datagathering methods such as a survey. Other feedback mechanisms
are suggestion boxes and customer complaints desks.
In eliciting client feedback on the streamlined BPL processes,
the cities of Bacolod and Ormoc administered customer survey
questionnaires to business permit applicants during the January
2005 and 2006 BOSS implementation.
Most of the LGUs gave importance to the improvement of
their BPLOs, especially the waiting or taxpayers lounge. Some
LGUs have constructed or, as in the case of Ormoc City, are
constructing new buildings. Still others provide such amenities as
air-conditioning, television, refreshments, candies, etc.
Another focus area under customer satisfaction is the BPL
personnel. A large number of LGUs provide friendly and
accommodating personnel to assist customers, especially during
the BOSS period. During this time, the LGU employs additional
staff to support the existing BPLO workforce in making the process
as convenient as possible for clients.
Other unique approaches found were the adoption of a no
lunch break policy in providing services to its customers and the
delivery of the approved business permit to the applicants.

48 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Marikina City
Businesspersons in Marikina City are pleased with the convenience
and the speed at which new permits are issued or are renewed at
the BOSS. One factor is the delivery of the permit to the applicants
home or place of business. An applicant who has been assessed and
has paid his fees is issued a temporary license which already allows it
to operate while completing registration requirements.
Another customer-oriented measure is the no lunch break policy.
The counters at the BPLO and other offices, such as the Real Property
Tax Office (RPTO) and the Treasury Department, service customers
even during lunch breaks. Then there is the queuing system wherein
customers are issued numbers and can then view an electronic display
that shows the current number being served. A 100-inch flat screen
television keeps waiting customers entertained.
Iligan City
Iligan City invests heavily in customer-oriented
personnel. It has adopted the Public Service
Excellence Program (PSEP) under which the LGU
conducts customer satisfaction surveys twice a year.

The BPL application

form in Ozamiz
City has a built-in
signature schedule
feature wherein all
the signatories
needed are
indicated in a box
on the form itself.
This allows the
applicant to easily
check the status of
his/her compliance
with requirements.

BPLO staff manning the payments counter in Surigao City.

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 49

Based on the results of the surveys, the LGU recommends interventions

to address performance gaps. In 2003, for example, frontliners directly
dealing with taxpayers were trained under the PSEP. Negative feedback
from customers on frontliners leads to either training for the concerned
staff or outright replacement.
The LGU also makes it a point to conduct orientation seminars and
dry-runs before the actual business renewal period.
Like the other LGUs in this study, Iligan City invests in a customerfriendly environment. Its waiting lounge is equipped with a TV,
comfortable seating, tables, and a refreshment counter where free
coffee and candies are served. It ensures that its front liners are friendly
and accommodating.
General Santos City
In General Santos City, the taxpayers lounge at the CTO was renovated
to demonstrate transparency in their operations as well as to provide
more comfort to the paying public. For one, the staff manning the
payment counters and those behind them are seen through glass
windows. The waiting area which can seat about 50 clients is equipped
with an air-conditioning unit and a television set. It also has an electronic
numbering system where clients are entertained on a first come, first
served basis.
The city government has increased access to its BPL services through
the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office
(CEMCDO). This unit is mandated to assist new businesses, invite
investors, and promote tourism in the country. The CEMCDO is also
tasked to accept and process business applications.

Taxpayers lounge in Surigao City.

50 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Annexes

Annex A

Administrative Order CL 84-2006

Republic of the Philippines
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
City of Zamboanga
CELSO L. LOBREGAT
City Mayor
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. CL 84-2006
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ADVANCE INSPECTION PROCEDURE
IN BUSINESS LICESING, AND PURSUANT THERETO, DIRECTING
ALL DEPARTMENTS AND DIVISIONS CONCERNED TO CONDUCT
ADVANCE INSPECTION ANNUALLY AND SUBMIT PROGRESS REPORT
REGULARLY TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AS SPECIFIED HEREUNDER
WHEREAS, the local government acknowledges the importance of
expediting the yearly renewal process of business licenses to accelerate and
improve the delivery of services to the public;
WHEREAS, the proper conduct and monitoring of advance inspection is
very crucial in the improvement of the entire renewal process of business
license; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to institutionalize the advance inspection
process in order to accelerate, improve and ensure the proper conduct of
this procedure,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CELSO L. LOBREGAT, Mayor of the City of
Zamboanga, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby
institutionalize and adopt the Advance Inspection Procedure in the renewal
of business permits with the following specific guidelines, to wit:
1. Advance inspection on all existing business establishments shall be
conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office,
City Engineers Office, City Planning and Development Office, City
Agriculturists Office, City Veterinarians Office, City Legal Office and
the City Tourism Division within the year from February to November,
52 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

in preparation for the renewal of business licenses on January 1 to 20

of the succeeding year.
2. Each Department, Division, or Office is required to issue to the owner of
each business establishment an after inspection report (such as Sanitary
Permit, Fire Safety Certificate, etc.) indicating therein the result of the
inspection, the date and time the inspection was conducted, the name
of the owner or representative of the business establishment who was
present during the inspection, and the name of the employee/s who
conducted the inspection.
3. Employee/s conducting the advance inspection are required to inform
the owner or representative of each business establishment they inspect,
that the after inspection report is a requirement for the renewal process
and should be attached to their Business Application Form during the
renewal period.
4. Each Department, Division, or Office is required to update in the
Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) Database the status of
each business establishment inspected as to approve, disapprove, or for
re-inspection.
5. Each Department, Division, or Office conducting advance inspection
should submit a monthly progress report to the Chief Executive indicating
therein the number of business establishments to be inspected within
the year, the schedule for inspection of said business establishments,
and the number of business establishments already inspected as of
submission of monthly report.
6. The validity of the Advance Inspection result is for one fiscal year except
for food related business establishments whose inspection result is
updated quarterly.
This order shall take effect upon its approval.
SO ORDERED.
Done in the City of Zamboanga, Philippines, this 8th day of March, in
the Year of our Lord, 2006.

City Mayor
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 53

Annex B

Administrative Order CL 10-2005

Republic of the Philippines
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
City of Zamboanga
CELSO L. LOBREGAT
City Mayor
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. CL-10-2005
PRESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES IN THE PROCESSING, PAYMENT AND
ISSUANCE OF BUSINESS PERMITS IN THE CITY OF ZAMBOANGA
WHEREAS, the law mandates that all taxes and other revenues of the City
are to be collected properly so that City funds are applied to the payment of
its expenses, settlement of its obligations and the delivery of basic services
and to provide adequate facilities to its constituents;
WHEREAS, there is a need to maximize the generation of revenues from
the processing and issuance of business permits and this objective may be
better achieved by prescribing procedures to effect its efficient collection;
WHEREAS, the issuance of this Order is an essential and necessary
component to achieve this objective bearing in mind that in the conduct of
business, requirements of pertinent laws should also be complied with and
that a business permit is only a privilege and not a right.
NOW, THEREFORE, I CELSO L. LOBREGAT, City Mayor of Zamboanga,
by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby ORDER:
A. TREATMENT OF BUSINESS APPLICATIONS.
1. Whenever a NEW application for issuance of a business permit is
filed for the first time with the Business Permits and Licensing Division
(BPLO), Office of the City Mayor but the business establishment is
known upon disclosure, investigation/inspection TO HAVE BEEN
IN EXISTENCE, then the assessment shall cover the previous years
gross sales only, and all other appropriate fees and charges, et al.

54 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Further, this new application would be considered as a RENEWAL

instead;
2. Whenever an applicant files for a NEW application but available
records reveal that either a PREVIOUS APPLICATION has been
filed which for one reason or another was not perfected or not
acted upon but it appears that a PREVIOUS PERMIT has been
issued, then all delinquencies in payment of taxes, fees and penalties
shall be applied. Thereafter, the application shall be treated as a
RENEWAL;
B. LOCATIONAL CLEARANCE
3. In case of a new business, a locational clearance and temporary
permit shall be secured from the City Planning and Development
Office.
4. In case of renewal, the locational clearance and occupancy permit
previously issued to a structure/building in which a business
establishment is located and operating, the verification and
confirmation thereof, would suffice the approval of such application
for renewal.
5. Temporary locational clearance shall be renewed subject to the
payment of annual fees and charges.
C. AFFIDAVIT OF UNDERTAKING
6. All previous Affidavits of Undertaking shall be complied on the
expiry/effectivity dates appearing therein. However, for the noncompliant business establishments/operators, an extension until
June 30, 2006 may be granted. In which case, the applicant shall
execute anew such duly notarized Affidavit of Undertaking and shall
comply with the terms thereof otherwise his/her business permit
is deemed revoked/cancelled.
D. ADVANCE ASSESSMENT AND PAYMENT PROCEDURE
7. To effect proper assessment of business application and avoid the so
called rush-hour, the advance-assessment-and-payment-scheme
is hereby adopted for any application for renewal with the BPLO

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 55

prior to the processing of concerned offices/departments of said

application and the submission of the requisite documents for such
renewal. However, for failure of the applicant to comply/submit the
requisite documents without valid reasons, such advance payment
shall be forfeited in favor of the City of Zamboanga.
E. NATURE OF BUSINESS PERMIT
8. The issuance of a Business Permit shall not in any way be construed
to legalize any illegal activity or any illegal act. Violation of any existing
laws and ordinances shall subject the permit to its revocation/
cancellation being only a privilege and not a right.
F. EFFECTIVITY:
9. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.
SO ORDERED.
Done in the City of Zamboanga, Philippines, December 29, 2005.
CELSO L. LOBREGAT
City Mayor

56 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Annex C

Sample Business Permit Application Form (Front)

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 57

Annex C

Sample Business Permit Application Form (Back)

58 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Annex D

Sample Business Permits

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 59

Annex E

List of Key Informants and Contact Details

Bacolod City
Hon. Evelio Bing Leonardia, City Mayor
Ms. Ardis Jaculina, Chief, PLD
Dr. Rogelio Balo, Secretary to the Mayor
Tel. No.: (034) 435-1111 Fax No.: (034) 435-3333
Cabuyao, Laguna
Hon. Nila Aguillo, Municipal Mayor
Mr. Ruben H. Refrea, BPLO License Officer IV
Ms. Marina G. Silan, Administrative Assistant
Tel/Fax. No.: (049) 531-4554
General Santos City
Hon. Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., City Mayor
Mr. Rodrigo O. Salangsang, City Administrator
Engr. Dumagan, Deputy City Administrator
Mr. Rodilon G. Lacap, CPA, City Treasurer
Mr. Juan B. Odi, Officer-in-Charge, BPLD
Mr. Nathaniel Bustos, Licensing Officer III, BPLD
Tel. Nos.: (083) 552-7321; (083) 301-2747 Fax No.: (083) 554-4212
Email: cmo@[email protected] www.gensantos.gov.ph
Iligan City
Hon. Lawrence L. Cruz, City Mayor
Mr. Francisco Almanzor, Local Treasury Operation Officer III (OIC-BTD)
Mr. Jaime B. Paalisbo, OIC, Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, DTI
Ms. Minda Usman, Trade & Industry Division Specialist, DTI
Tel. No.: (063) 221-6758 Fax No.: (063) 221-9060 www.iligan-city.gov.ph
Iloilo City
Hon. Jerry P. Treas, City Mayor
Mr. Choy Tan, City Administrator
Mr. Francis Cruz, Executive Assistant
Mr. Francis Teh, LGU Department Head
Ms. Lerma Espanola, Permits Division Chief
Ms. Karen Kapaw-an, Community Affairs Officer
Mr. Ben Jimena, Consultant
Tel. No.: (033) 337-3573 Fax No.: (033) 335-3617

60 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Kalibo, Aklan
Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo, Municipal Mayor
Mr. Noel Dela Cruz, Supervising Administrative Officer IV
Ms. Elsa M. Tabuena, Municipal Treasurer
Tel. No.: (036) 262-3241 Fax No.: (036) 221-9060
La Trinidad, Benguet
Hon. Nestor B. Fongwan, Municipal Mayor
Ms. Joan L. Costina, Licensing Officer III, BPLS
Ms. Myrna T. Bagano, Licensing Officer II, BPLS
Ms. Grace K. Daodao, Collection Revenue Officer I, Municipal Treasurers Office
Ms. Sharon D. Dacumos, Statistician II, Municipal Planning & Development Office
Tel. No.: (074) 422-2601 Fax No.: (074) 309-3248
Marikina City
Hon. Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando, City Mayor
Mr. Apolonio B. Santos, Chief, BPLO
Ms. Josephine Aldea, Assistant Chief, BPLO
Tel. No.: (02) 646-2360-70 loc. 218, 646-2354
Muntinlupa City
Mr. Edgar Marias, Licensing Officer IV, BPLO
Mr. Gary Llamas, Chief, BPLO
Ms. Rochie Soriano, Computer Section Supervisor, BPLO
Ms. Zita Pelaez, Data Controller IV, BPLO, City Government of Muntinlupa
Tel. No.: (02) 543-0809/0810 Fax No.: (02) 862-5316
http://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph.
Naga City
Hon. Jessie Robredo, City Mayor
Mr. Rodrigo C. Belleza, City Treasurer
Ms. Gregoria Nilda B. Abonal, LRCO IV, BLFD
Mr. Ruel Oliver, Naga City Investment Board
Mr. Jun Pedro, EDP Office
Tel. No.: (054) 473-2240 Tel. No.: (054) 811-1286 www.naga.gov.ph
Ormoc City
Hon. Eric C. Codilla, City Mayor
Mr. Emilio G. Tingson, BPLO Chief
Ms. Ludelina D. del Socorro, BPLO
Ms. Maria Feliche C. Baltazar, IT-CPDO
Ms. Sarah Poniente, MAO
Tel. No.: (053) 255-3242 Fax No.: (053) 255-7395 www.ormoc.gov.ph.
Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 61

Quezon City
Hon. Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., City Mayor
Mr. Pacifico Maghacot, Jr., BPLO Chief
Atty. Voltaire Enriquez, Assistant City Treasurer
Ms. Virginia V. Cana, Business Permits Division Head
Ms. Regina A. Samson, Head, Communications Coordination Center
Mr. Nathan Zulueta, QCCCI Foundation President
Tel. No.: (02) 924-3592 Fax No.: (02) 921-6750 www.quezoncity.gov.ph
Surigao City
Hon. Alfonso S. Casurra, City Mayor
Tel. No.: (086) 826-0249 Fax No.: (086) 826-4131
Ozamiz City
Hon. Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., City Mayor
Ms. Aida Cipres, Assistant City Treasurer
Ms. Teresa Paler, Assistant City Treasurer for Administration
Ms. Josephine Requilme, Local Treasury Operation Officer III
Mr. Jeric Roa, License and Permit Division Chief
Tel. No.: (088) 521-1390
Zamboanga City
Hon. Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, City Mayor
Mr. Antonio G. Orendain Jr., City Administrator
Mr. Dagin B. Jacinto, Licensing Officer IV, Chief, Permits and Licenses Division
Mr. Cesar Mandin, Head, Computer Division
Ms. Soledad L. Li, City Treasurer
Tel. No.: (062) 991-3491/4525 Fax No.: (062) 991-1889

62 Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs

Annex F

Income Classification of LGUs

Per Department Order No. 20-05 (as of July 29 2005)

LGU Income Average Income for 2000-2003

Class
(in million PhP)
Luzon
Cabuyao, Laguna
1st class
La Trinidad, Benguet 1st class
Marikina City
1st class
Muntinlupa City
1st class
Naga City
2nd class
Quezon City
Special City

Visayas
Bacolod City
1st class
Iloilo City
1st class
Kalibo, Aklan
1st class
Ormoc City
1st class

Mindanao
General Santos City
1st class
Iligan City
1st class
Malaybalay City
1st class
Ozamiz City
3rd class
Surigao City
2nd class
Zamboanga City
1st class

271.854
79.044
699.480
861.585
287.122

565.732
570.012
68.671
400.467
587.905
616.331
397.532
221.692
252.984
965.448

Source: Department of Finance Bureau of Local Government Finance

Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 63

Annex G

Members of the Consultative Body (in Alphabetical Order)

Agency

Represented by

Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA)

Mr. Joseph Goodings

Second Secretary

City Government of Muntinlupa

Ms. Glenda P. Zamora

Mr. Edgar Marinas

Department of Interior
and Local Government - Bureau of Local
Government Supervision (DILG-BLGS)

Ms. Magdalena Fajardo

Department of Trade and Industry - Dir. Rhodora M. Leano

Bureau of Small and Medium Asst. Dir. Jerry Clavesillas
Enterprise Development (DTI-BSMED)
Ms.Elvira Tan

Ms. Zenaida Pre
German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

Ms. Martina Vahlhaus

Program Manager
Ms. Ulla Keppel
Mr. Armando Datuin

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Mr. Euan Marshall

Country Coordinator

League of Cities of the

Philippines (LCP)

Ms. Len Sicat

Ms. Frances Larla C. Sevilla

Philippine Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (PCCI)

Ms. Grace Morella

The Asia Foundation (TAF)

Ms. Ma Belen Bonoan

Annex H

The DAP Project Team

Team Leader
Project Manager
Supervising Fellow
Support Staff

Ms. Paz Resurreccion M. Alip

Ms. Joanne Q. Nuque
Ms. Elena Avedillo-Cruz
Ms. Shirley T. Cubilla

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Streamlining Business Registration in LGUs 65