DELIVERY riders and partners, online sellers, or home-based business owners are required to secure a mayor's permit from the City Government of Davao.

In an advisory posted Wednesday, July 8, on the City Government's official Facebook page, they were told to secure a mayor's permit as mandated by the Revenue Code of Davao City.

According to Article I, Section 94 of the Revenue Code, "it is unlawful for any person or entity to conduct or engage in any business, trade or occupation in the City of Davao without securing a Mayor's Permit and paying the necessary fees to the City Treasurer."

The advisory was issued due to the proliferation of some online and home-based businesses after some physical establishments closed or shifted their services online due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her previous radio interview, reiterated the need to have their online businesses registered to regulate them and to also protect buyers and consumers.

"Basin pud nagabaligya mo og substandard, smuggled, peke so dili pud na siya mahibaw-an kung dili mo mukuha og business permit (The purpose of regulating is also to ensure that you will not be selling substandard, smuggled, or fake products. We cannot determine it if you do not have a business permit)," Duterte-Carpio said.

Applicants who wish to register their businesses must submit a duly accomplished and notarized Unified Form (UF) and other documentary requirements to the Business Bureau Office designated section at the Davao City Recreation Center or Almendras Gym from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The form can be downloaded at busbureau.davaocity.gov.ph. Other information is also posted on the website. The verification and validation process will be conducted via text or phone call.

After the verification process, applicants will proceed to the City Treasurer's Office for payment of taxes, fees, and charges. Should you opt to pay online, they must visit the davaocity.gov.ph website, and select an online payment option for further details.

Applicants must then present to the Business Bureau the proof of payment and wait for the schedule of the release of your Business Permit.