Baguio special permits rates up for night market, special events

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – The city council here has approved on first reading an ordinance prescribing rates for the issuance of special permits for the conduct of business at the night market and during special events in the city.
    The following are the proposed rates:
    P350 per week for the night market selling activity or other similar activities;
    P250 per day per person/entity for a one-day activity that is organized by the city and considered a temporary activity conducted in a temporary location;
    P350 per day or P2,000 per quarter for a continuing activity in the barangay in a temporary location;
and P100 per day or a fraction thereof during a temporary event for buskers, creative artisans, artists, and the like.
    A special permit is a permit given by the city government for the temporary conduct of business in certain places and for certain purposes.

    Principally authored by Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, the proposed ordinance specifies the following activities/events where special permits are needed:

    Micro small medium enterprises showcases, market encounters, temporary activities in a temporary business location and the like;

    Barangay market day activities if the barangay does not have a market ordinance. If otherwise, the barangay will be the one to issue a permit to conduct business;

    Night markets on a temporary basis;

    Barangay satellite markets on temporary locations such as basketball courts, barangay hall vicinities, and other facilities that can be used on a temporary basis; and any other type of vending set-up during a special event or temporary activity that is not covered by a regular business permit.

    According to the proposed ordinance, failure to secure a special permit will mean non-operation of any activity. In the event that the activity was conducted without securing a special permit, a 50% penalty shall be levied on top of the permit.

    An administrative case may also be filed against the erring individual/s.

    The proposed ordinance has been referred to the Sanggunian’s committee on appropriations and finance Cluster B (taxes, fees, and other charges) for review and recommendations.