The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved on final reading an ordinance granting the request of Mayor Greg Gasataya to extend the deadline for the application and renewal of business permits and licenses until March 31.
The measure aims to provide relief and flexibility to business owners, particularly those managing small and medium enterprises, while ensuring continued compliance with city regulations.
Councilor Ceasar Distrito, the author of the ordinance, said on Thursday, Jan. 8, that businesses paying on or before February 28 will still be eligible for a 10 percent discount on permit fees.
Under the new extension, payments made from March 1 until March 31 will be accepted without any penalties or surcharges, allowing business owners additional time to comply without incurring extra costs.
Distrito said that the extension is designed to balance the city government’s revenue objectives with the vital need to support the local business sector.
He noted that the adjustment gives the community enough time to fulfill their obligations without unnecessary pressure, while maintaining incentives for those who choose to pay early.
The city government encourages all business owners to take advantage of this grace period and settle their accounts within the newly prescribed deadline, Distrito said.*