Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Mactan business group to hasten permit processing
NOW that they have organized themselves, members of the business community in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova town plan to focus on improving the investment climate in the two areas.
One way to this is to address delays in the issuance of business permits and licenses, a common complaint of businesses in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.
“It took me six to seven months to get a building permit for Coral Point Gardens,” said Efrain Pelaez Jr., one of the incorporators of the Lapu and Cordova Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Speaking from experience, Pelaez, who is also president of Coral Point Development Corp., said permit processing delays caused him to move the implementation of some property development projects to more than a year later.
The delay affected about 200 construction workers, he said.
“These projects, as well as those of other businessmen in Lapu-Lapu, are for the good of the Island,” he told reporters during a press conference last week at Café de France in JY Square Mall.
He said, though, that the Lapu-Lapu City Government has started to speed up the processing and issuance of business permits even before the LCCCI was registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Promote trade
“I think in that way the chamber has succeeded,” he said.
According to a press statement, LCCCI, whose registration was approved by SEC 7 last Feb. 14, was formed to promote trade and commerce, improve business opportunities, foster growth and tourism, encourage industrial development, and enhance and hasten community development in Mactan, Cebu.
“This is strictly business,” Pelaez said, denying reports that the chamber was formed against Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza.
In its letter to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) regional governor Robert Go, the LCCCI said the chamber is not forming a political organization nor does it intend to affiliate itself with any political party or group.
“We are not a political group. Even after the elections, whether the mayor is still Radaza or not, we will continue to exist,” Pelaez said.
He said the group was conceptualized in October 2006, before the conflict between Radaza and businessmen brothers Rafael and Richard King became highly publicized.
The Kings, who own Crown Regency hotel, had accused Mayor Radaza of extortion.
“There is no reason for any government official to fear the chamber. In fact, they should welcome its formation and view it as a catalyst and partner for development,” Pelaez said in a statement. “Only an official with a guilty conscience will oppose such a chamber that has nothing but development for Mactan in mind.”
The Kings are among the incorporators of the chamber.
LCCI, which is waiting for its accreditation with PCCI, plans to rename the group as Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MMM)
