The Cebu City government has officially moved the deadline for business permit renewals, providing much-needed relief to local entrepreneurs and taxpayers. The City Council approved an extension, giving businesses until January 30, 2026, to complete their applications without facing any financial penalties.
Council Approves Extension to Ease Congestion
In a resolution passed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Sangguniang Panlungsod decided to push the deadline beyond the standard January 20 cutoff. The measure, championed by City Councilor David Tumulak, directly addresses the annual logjam of applicants at processing centers. The council cited the expected heavy crowds and long queues that typically cause delays during the peak renewal period.
Under this new directive, all businesses that renew their permits within the extended timeframe will be exempt from penalties, surcharges, and interest. This applies to transactions processed at major business permit and licensing centers, including those located in Robinsons Galleria and SM Seaside City Cebu.
Legal Basis and Additional Relief Considered
Councilor Tumulak anchored the extension on Section 167 of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. This law allows local government units to extend tax payment deadlines for a "justifiable reason or cause," provided the extension does not exceed six months and is granted penalty-free.
The move for relief was echoed by another councilor, though with a different scope. City Councilor Harold Kendrick Go initially proposed a longer extension until February 28, 2026, aiming to aid businesses still recovering from the effects of Typhoon Tino. His now-withdrawn resolution highlighted that many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing financial constraints due to storm-related disruptions, including flooding, power outages, and property damage.
Implementation and Revenue Context
The City Council stated that the extension to January 30 aims to give taxpayers "reasonable and sufficient time" to comply while ensuring an orderly processing system. Copies of the approved resolution will be distributed to key offices for implementation, including the City Treasurer, the Budget Officer, and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO).
This administrative relief comes as the city sets ambitious revenue goals. City Treasurer Emma Villarete reported that business tax collections reached P3.2 billion in 2025. The target for the current fiscal period is set even higher, at P3.7 billion.
