DAVAO City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. reassured delivery riders that they only need to pay the new P125 rate for their occupational permit when renewing their business permits.
Quitain explained that the ordinance is awaiting publication, which will take about three days. He advised riders not to pay until the ordinance is enforced.
“Nothing to worry about for the riders,” he said during the Aprubado sa Konseho session on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the committee on finance, confirmed that the ordinance didn’t require Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Once published, it will take effect immediately as an amendment to the Revenue Code.
Jeffrey Cuyos, secretary of the United Davao Delivery Riders Association (Uddra), expressed hope that the ordinance would be published soon, adding that they were eager to avoid missing the deadline.
“Maghulat me ug publication sa ordinance nga bag-o then na worry pod me mga driver basin maka penalty me, ma overdue siya kay for January pod bay siya ang business permit namo (We’re waiting for the ordinance to be published, but we’re worried about potential penalties if it’s overdue, especially since our business permits are due this January),” he said.
Earlier, Business Bureau Head Maribel Paguican confirmed that the reduced fees would be implemented once the ordinance is published. She also noted that it had already been signed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
The 20th City Council approved an ordinance on December 5, 2024, reducing delivery riders' fees. The business permit fee is cut from P3,000 to P128 for the occupational permit. The law amends the 2017 Revenue Code by removing the need for a business permit for riders.
It also repeals seven provisions to align with Anti-Red Tape Authority, DTI, and Department of Finance guidelines for streamlining the permit process. A 25 percent surcharge will apply to late payments. RGP
