Last Tuesday, the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Information and Communication Technology (DICT) agreed on a joint memorandum circular (JMC) which enjoins all cities and municipalities to unify the country’s business permits and licensing systems (BPLS) using a revised standard.
According to the memorandum, local government units should cut the processing time spent for issuing permits and licenses. Two days shall be utilized for new business registration and only a day for renewals. A maximum of three steps for procedures has been set for both.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview that the JMC will immediately take effect and that its execution shall take place in less than a month.
All local governments were instructed to use a unified form, both in print and electronic formats. From eight signatory requirements, the new business permits will only require two signatures – the Mayor’s and the Treasurer/Business Licensing Head’s.
The JMC also suggests that all local governments should automate and computerize their transactions in order to accelerate their services.
