TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
,j!JL 14 AlO :46
S. No.
SENATE
482
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE (BPLO) IN 
EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As a former local chief executive, I am fully aware of how a thriving business 
community is crucial in achieving stability and prosperity in one's jurisdiction. An 
excellent business and investment climate means more jobs are generated for the 
people, goods at competitive prices are available, and better overall consumer 
experience. The business organization stands as an important and reliable partner of 
the government, both at the national and local spheres, not only in ensuring economic 
productivity and dynamism, but also in securing revenues to fund priority programs 
for the people. Hence, it is essential that there has to be a streamlined, responsive, 
and efficient dedicated body which shall attend to the concerns and needs of the 
business sector - from the initial process of registration up to monitoring compliance 
with prevailing ordinances and regulations.
This measure, which was reported out by the Senate Committee on Local 
Government during the 19th Congress, institutionalizes the Business Permit and 
Licensing Office or BPLO in every city of municipality. It envisions hassle-free and 
modernized government transactions with respect to setting up, maintaining and


regulating businesses in every locality, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11032 or 
the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018".
In pursuit of national progress, eliminating red tape, and further enhancing 
government service, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
L
INGGLOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
2b JIJL 14 A10:46
SENATE
S. No. 482
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE (BPLO) IN 
EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shail be known as the "Business Permit and
2 
Licensing Office (BPLO) Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to constantly improve
4 
the delivery of frontline services of government, promote and establish policies to
5 
ensure ease of doing business, as weil as simplify systems, structures and procedures
6 
in the issuance of business permits and iicenses.
7 
Sec. 3. Establishment of a Business Permit and Licensing Office. - There is
8 
hereby estabiished a Business Permit and Licensing Office, hereinafter referred to as
9 
the Office, which shali, among others, handie the issuance of business permits and
10 
licenses as well as formulate and implement policies and proactive measures to
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increase locai employment, draw local and foreign investments, and increase local
12 
revenues in ail municipalities or cities.
13 
Sec. 4. Powers, Duties and Functions. - The Business Permits and Licensing
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Office (BPLO) shali be responsibie for the following:
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a) Process ail business permits and licenses as weil as occupational permits,
16 
including the assessment of business taxes, fees, and charges of the various
17 
businesses in the city or municipality: Provided, however. That ali


1 
assessments are subject to the authority of the local treasurer to conduct
2 
examination of books of accounts as well as all other authorities as provided
3 
in the Local Government Code (LGC);
4 
b) Monitors and enforces applicable tax ordinances and other pertinent laws,
5 
ordinances, rules and regulations in the operations of businesses and
6 
occupations within the jurisdiction of the LGU;
7 
c) Formulates policies as a proactive measure to draw local and foreign
8 
investments especially in priority areas/industries and as a tool to define the
9 
development thrust of the LGU;
10 
d) Initiates, reviews and recommends to the Mayor revenue-generating
11 
measures to increase local revenues;
12 
e) Enforces all the LGU's tax ordinances and other pertinent laws, ordinances,
13 
and rules and regulations;
14 
f) Sits as a member of the Local Financial Committee, Local Investment Board
15 
and such other bodies as the Mayor shall identify; and
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g) Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.
17 
Sec. 5. Appointment of the Chief, BPLO. - The Business Permits and Licensing
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Office (BPLO) shall be headed by a Chief, with the rank and salary of a Department
19 
Head, who shall be qualified by the Personnel Selection and Promotions Board (PSPB)
20 
of the LGU. The position of Chief, BPLO, shall henceforth be included under the
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mandatory appointive local officials common to all municipalities, cities and provinces
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under Book III, Title Five of Republic No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local
23 
Government Code.
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Sec. 6. Qualifications of the BPLO Chief - No person shall be appointed as
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BPLO Chief unless one is:
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a) a citizen of the Philippines;
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b) a resident of the local government unit (LGU) concerned;
28 
c) of good moral character;
29 
d) a holder of a college degree obtained from a recognized college or
30 
university; and
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e) a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.


1 
Sec. 7. Composition and Office Structure. -The Business Permits and Licensing
2 
Office (BPLO) shall be composed of four (4) principal divisions, namely:
3 
a) Administration Division - This division is tasked to handle administrative
4 
functions of the Investments and Business Permits and Licensing Office
5 
(BPLO);
6 
b) Business Permits and Licensing/Occupational Permits Division - This division
7 
shall act on all applications for business and/or mayor's permits and
8 
occupational permits as required under applicable 
laws, ordinances, 
rules
9 
and regulations;
10 
c) Investments Division - This division is tasked to craft policies that shall
11 
increase local investments in the local government in coordination with
12 
concerned offices for submission to the local sanggunian (council) for
13 
ratification. It shall also supervise compliance of business establishments
14 
that have partnered with the local government on investment opportunities.
15 
d) Inspection Division - This division shall handle the technical function of the
16 
Office through:
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1) Tax mapping and regular inspections of all business establishments
18 
existing and/or operating within the territorial jurisdiction of the LGU;
19 
2) Issue and/or implement notices and/or orders to the concerned
20 
establishments; and
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3) Perform such other matters and functions that may be assigned by the
22 
Chief, BPLO.
23 
Sec. 8. Staffing Pattern. - For purposes of the creation of the Business Permits
24 
and Licensing Office (BPLO), officers and employees of the local government unit
25 
holding permanent appointments shall be given preference for appointment to the
26 
new positions created. All other personnel currently employed in this office shall be
27 
prioritized by the Personnel Selection and Promotions Board (PSPB), provided, they
28 
are eligible and qualified for such position.
29 
No new employees shall be taken in until all permanent employees have been
30 
appointed, including temporary and casual employees who possesses the necessary
31 
qualification requirements, among which is the appropriate civil service eligibility, for
32 
permanent positions.


1 
The Office shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions
2 
or units as it may deem necessary, and shall appoint officers and employees in
3 
accordance with the Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.
4 
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The corresponding appropriations shall be charged
5 
against any available funds in the Annual Budget of the LGU. The corresponding
6 
appropriations therefor shall be incorporated in all succeeding annual executive
7 
budgets in years thereafter.
8 
Sec. 10. Implementing Rules andReguiations. -The Office, in coordination with
9 
the concerned offices in the local government unit and in consultation with the
10 
stakeholders shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, must issue
11 
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
12 
Sec. 11. Separability Ciause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held
13 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provision hereof which are not affected
14 
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
15 
Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations that are
16 
inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed
17 
accordingly.
18 
Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
19 
complete publication in the Officiai Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers
20 
of general circulation.
Approved,