Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2313
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE WES GATCHALIAN

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE IN
EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is the 13" most populated country in the world and is
ranked 39" in terms of nominal GDP per International Monetary Fund (IMF)
outlook October 2018 for year 2019 and 2023. However, the country only
placed 124% in the Doing Business 2019, a World Bank Group flagship
report which provides objective measures of business regulations and their
enforcement across 190 economies and selected cities at the subnational
and regional level. This means that Philippines’ doing business ranking
plummeted from the previous rankings of 113" in 2017 and 99% in 2016 in
the same report.

Of the nine doing business indicators, the country performed the
poorest in terms of starting a business indicator. In 2018, Republic Act
11032 otherwise known as “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient
Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” was enacted to improve
government transactions through the adoption of simplified requirements
and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite business and
nonbusiness related transactions in the government.

Through the creation of a Business Permits and Licens'

ng Office in
ountry, this bill aims to address this
longstanding problem which had kept the country from realizing its full
economic potential.

every local government unit in the

An intensified effort from the national government as well as in the

local sphere will result in a more vibrant and thriving economic atmosphere


conducive to growth and confidence. The growth at every level of government
shall ultimately translate into an increase in decent employment
opportunities for all and efficient delivery of government services which will
benefit the nation as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, immediate consideration and passage of this
bill is earnestly sought.

GATCHALIAN
‘epresentative, 1% District
Valenzuela City

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2313
HOUSE BILL NO. __

—— SK

Introduced by HONORABLE WES GATCHALIAN

——-.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE IN
EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Business
Permit and Licensing Office.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ \t shall be the policy of the State to
constantly improve the delivery of front line services of government, promote
and establish policies to ensure ease of doing business, as well as simplify
systems, structures, and procedures in the issuance of business permi
and licenses.

Sec. 3. Creation of a Business Permit and Licensing Office. -
There is hereby created a Business Permits and Licensing Office, hereinafter
referred to as the Office, which shall, among others, handle the issuance of
business permits and licenses as well as formulate and implement policies
and proactive measure to increase local employment, draw local and foreign
investments, and increase local revenues

Sec. 4. Powers, Duties and Functions. - The Business Permits and
Licensing Office (BPLO) shall be responsible for the following

a. Processing of business permits and licenses as well as
occupational permits, including the assessment of business taxes,
fees and charges of the various businesses in the city or municipality.
Provided, however, that all assessments are subject to the authority of
the local treasurer to conduct examination of books of accounts as
well as all other authorities as provided in the Local Government Code
(LGC);


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b. Monitoring and enforcement of the applicable tax
ordinances and other pertinent laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations in the operations of businesses and occupations within
the jurisdiction of the LGU;

c. Formulation of policies as a proactive measure to draw
local and foreign investments especially in priority areas/industries
and as a tool to define the development thrust of the LGU;

d. Initiate, review and recommend to the Mayor revenue-
generating measures to increase local revenues;

e. Enforcement of the LGUs Tax Ordinances and other
pertinent laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations;

f, Sit as a member of the Local Finance Committee, Local
Investment Board and such other bodies as the Mayor shall identify;
and

g. Perform such other function as may be provided by law

Sec. 5. Appointment of the Chief, BPLO. - The Business Permits
and Licensing Office (BPLO) shall be headed by a Chief, with the rank and
salary of a Department Head. He/She shall be qualified by the Promotion
Board of the LGU. The position of Chief, BPLO, shall henceforth be included
under the mandatory appointive local officials common to all municipalities,
cities and provinces under Book Ill, Title Five of Republic Act No. 7160
otherwise known as the Local Government Code.

Sec. 6. Composition and Office Structure. - The Business Permits
and Licensing Office (BPLO) shall be composed of three (3) principal
divisions, namely:

a Administrative Division - This division is tasked to handle
the administrative function of the Investments and Business Permits
and Licensing Office (IBPLO);

b. Business Permits and Licensing/Occupational Permits
Division ~ This division shall act on all applications for business
and/or mayor’s permits and occupational permits as required under
applicable law, ordinance, rules and regulations;


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c. Investments Division - This division is tasked to craft
policies which shall increase local investments in the local government
in coordination with concerned offices;

d Inspection Division - this division shall handle the
technical function of the Office through

i Tax mapping and regular inspections of all
business establishment existing and/or operating within
the territorial jurisdiction of the LGU;

ii. Issue and/or implement necessary notices
and/or orders to the concerned establishments; and

iii. Perform such other matters and functions
that may be assigned by the Chief, BPLO.

Sec. 7. Staffing Pattern. - For purposes of the creation of the
Business and Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), officers and employees of
the Municipality or City holding permanent appointments shall be given
preference for appointment to the new positions created. All other personnel
currently employed in this office shall be prioritized by the Promotion Board,
provided, they are eligible and qualified for such position.

No new employees shall be taken in until all permanent employees
have been appointed, including temporary and casual employees who
possess the necessary qualification requirements, among which is the
appropriate civil service eligibility, for permanent positions

The Office shall determine its organizational structure and create new
divisions or units as it may deem necessary, and shall appoint officers and
employees in accordance with the Civil Service law, rules and regulations

Sec. 8. Appropriation. The corresponding appropriations shall be
charged against any available funds in the Annual Budget of the LGU. The
corresponding appropriations therefor shall be incorporated in all
succeeding annual executive budgets in years thereafter.

Sec. 9, Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Office, in
coordination with concerned offices in the local government unit and in
consultation with the stakeholders shall, within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act.


Sec. 10. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act is
held unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provision hereof which
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, orders, rules or regulations
Which are inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby
amended or repealed accordingly

Sec. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspaper of general circulation

Approved.