Business chambers ask amnesty for failure to renew business permits

CITY Mayor Evelio Leonardia is requested to grant amnesty to those business establishments and real property owners who failed to renew business permits in 2009 and/or to update the payments of real property tax up to year 2009.

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) president Roberto Montelibano and Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BFCCCI) president Benjamin Ortega said they are requesting for the write-off of penalties and other surcharges computed from their last payment to December 31, 2009.

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The two chambers president claimed that the MBCCI and FBCCCI have been actively campaigning to the owners of all establishments for payment of real property taxes. “If the penalties and surcharges are condoned or written-off, more business or real property owners will be enjoined to process their City Mayor’s Permit and pay the corresponding basic fees as well as pay their arrears in real property taxes.”

They said this proposal will ensure a healthy business climate and more income to the City of Bacolod.

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chair of the committee on finance, said he fully supports the said request, “we understand the situation of our businessman and why this has now reached this level, and once introduced by way of request because it’s in the power of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) to condone these penalties, I will fully support this move within the bounds of the law.”

He said they will check the said request and take the time to review and give what is due to the benefits for the condoned of the penalties and surcharges of the businessmen in the city.

“At this point of time, the need of assistance and support coming from the local government unit to our businessmen is very important in their relationship with the local government,” he added.