DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 August) — A proposed ordinance extending the validity of business permits to three years has been filed at the city council. Introduced by City Councilor Ralph Abella during the council’s regular session on August 26, the proposal includes an additional 10-percent “premium fee” for businesses opting for the extended permit. Abella stated that the annual renewal process causes congestion due to thousands of applications, promoting a more stable and investor-friendly environment for compliant businesses. According to the City Information Office, business permit applications and renewals have consistently increased from 49,935 in 2022 to 52,219 in 2024. Abella noted that businesses availing of the three-year permit must still submit annual compliance documents, with non-compliance leading to revocation or reversion to yearly renewal. Lea Salgado, a flower shop owner, welcomed the extended validity for its convenience, despite the additional fee, while Kenneth Gumban, a long-time business owner, preferred yearly renewals over the extra cost. Online renewal remains an option for business permits. (Razl EJ Teman/MindaNews)
