OWNERS of businesses in Cebu City have to renew their business permits every year to continue operating legally.

However, if mayor-elect Edgardo Labella gets his way, they can renew their permits every two years as the outgoing vice mayor wants the permit the City Government issues to have a two-year validity.

“I will ask our allies in the City Council to pass a legislation that the processing of business permit will be done only every two years,” he said.

Labella has seven allies in the council led by reelected councilor Raymond Garcia.

The outgoing vice mayor said he wants to convey to the public that Cebu City is friendly to investors.

“We have to create a business-friendly atmosphere,” Labella said.

Outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña has ordered many businesses closed because these didn’t have permits like Rico’s Lechon, Vic Enterprises and Jerome’s Pawnshop, among others.

Osmeña, as representative of the City Government, also filed several cases against big-time investors like SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Labella said he wants to give businessmen ample time to complete their requirements so they can secure their business permits. These include a barangay clearance, a renewed mayor’s permit, a sanitary permit, a fire and safety permit, a business plate, a CGL insurance and BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Form 0605 for Annual Registration, among others.

After all, they are doing business here in the city so they should pay for the privilege, he said. (From PAC of SuperBalita Cebu, PJB)