Rule out for special business permits

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – An administrative order was issued last week by Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. for business permits in special circumstances.

The AO said there were business establishments which were not issued permits, but continue to earn.
They have not, however, paid taxes, fees and charges, thus the need for a special issuance.

The purpose of the AO is the efficient collection of taxes, fees and charges, without prejudice to the other functions of the city mayor as to being efficient and effective.

Said business establishments are mandated to secure business permits, with proper approval from the Building Official, City Planning and Development Coordinator, Health Officer, Fire Marshall and City Treasurer.

However, the issuance of a business permit shall not be regarded as an alternative of a building permit, the AO stated.

The requisite maybe discarded when the structure was built prior to the effectivity of the National Building Code, there is a pending townsite or business permit ap0plication application, the applicant’s business is a sari-sari store, or a small-scale business and there should be proof of ownership or a right of possession over the place of business.

The absence of a building permit shall be properly indicated in the application, the AO further stated, as the two are separate and distinct.
A business permit will not prejudice the demolition of structures considered as illegal, ruinous or abandoned.

It will not also vouch for the integrity of the business premises, the AO stated.