Cebu City Hall Accelerates Business Services with Streamlined Permit Process
In a significant move to enhance local commerce, Cebu City has adopted provisions from the national Ease of Doing Business Act to eliminate delays in business permit renewals. This initiative aims to provide faster services for entrepreneurs in the region, fostering a more business-friendly environment.
New Memorandum Mandates Efficient Fire Safety Compliance
On March 10, 2026, Mayor Nestor Archival issued Memorandum 2026-00165, directing the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to implement Section 17 of the law concerning the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC). This certificate is a critical requirement for renewing business permits, and the new order seeks to speed up the process by imposing strict deadlines.
Under this memorandum, when a business applies for permit renewal, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) must submit the necessary FSIC or a negative list identifying establishments with unresolved fire safety issues within three working days. This negative list serves as a basis for determining which businesses have compliance problems, while those not included are considered compliant and can proceed with their permit renewals immediately.
Provisions to Prevent Delays and Ensure Compliance
The memorandum includes measures to avoid bureaucratic hold-ups. If the BFP fails to submit the FSIC or negative list within the three-day period, the establishment is deemed to have a temporarily valid FSIC. Consequently, the business permit is automatically renewed and released, although the BFP retains the authority to take future action if any violations of fire safety regulations are discovered later.
This step aligns with the national government's policy to make government transactions easier and more effective for businesses, promoting economic growth and reducing administrative burdens. By streamlining these processes, Cebu City hopes to attract more investments and support local enterprises in thriving within a regulated yet efficient framework.
