THE Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (Pcab) in Davao Region has urged unlicensed contractors to take advantage of an amnesty program so they could legalize their operations and avoid penalties and sanctions.
Lani T. Catalan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao trade industry development specialist, said the amnesty will allow unlicensed contractors to secure the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)'s approval of Construction Safety and Health Programs, business licenses, and be allowed to engage in construction contracting.
Catalan said if a contractor who has been operating without a license for five years applies for a regular license he has to pay P5,000 for every year.
But under the amnesty program, the contractor only needs to pay upfront a P10,000 additional license fee and other applicable fees.
Catalan said the amnesty began last December 1 and will end on February 28.
According to Board Resolution 434 Series of 2014, "the only exemptions from licensing are residential buildings built by and for the exclusive use of the owner and construction activities not exceeding P10,000 for a single project with a total of P25,000 for the year."
Requirements for the amnesty are:
- A letter of application for amnesty
- Properly accomplished license application form
- Authorized managing officer (AMO) affidavit showing at least two years managerial and technical experience in the construction industry
- Completion by the AMO of the AMO Seminar and Course on Construction Safety Health and passing the AMO examination
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Securities Exchange Commission registration of business name registration with SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig
- Original bank certification showing a balance of at least P45,000 dated within one month from application; and upfront payment of P10,000 additional license fee and other applicable fees.
Applicants may visit the PCAB Window at the DTI-Davao Office or contact them through (082) 224-0511 loc. 420 or 417.