The Cebu City Government is moving to provide crucial financial assistance to local businesses struggling in the wake of Typhoon Tino. In a significant step towards economic recovery, the City Council has approved a measure to waive various fees for business permit renewals.
Proactive Push for Economic Relief
During its regular session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the City Council passed a resolution that seeks to remove penalties, surcharges, and other processing fees for establishments located in areas devastated by the typhoon. The storm, which struck Cebu City on the morning of November 4, 2025, caused severe damage to properties, destroyed business inventory, and forced a widespread halt in operations.
Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., the author of the measure, stated that the initiative is a direct response to the extensive economic disruption. He emphasized that this financial relief will allow affected business owners to recover more swiftly and is vital for reviving commercial activity and restoring confidence in the local economy.
Legal Framework and Implementation Process
The resolution is grounded in Section 192 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160). This law empowers local government units to grant tax relief and incentives when it serves the public interest. The approved waiver will be effective for a period not exceeding twelve months.
While the exact number of beneficiaries is not specified, the potential impact is substantial, as Cebu City is home to more than 50,000 registered businesses. The standard business permit renewal process occurs every January.
The resolution now awaits the approval of Mayor Nestor Archival. Once signed, the City Treasurer's Office (CTO) will be directed to implement the waiver program. The CTO will then collaborate with several key offices to finalize the details:
- The Business Permit and Licensing Office
- The Department of Trade and Industry
- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
This inter-agency group will be responsible for identifying the specific affected areas, determining the applicable period for the waiver, and crafting the detailed implementing guidelines to ensure transparency.
Why This Financial Relief Matters
This move is a core component of the city's broader post-disaster strategy, which was previously set in motion when the council declared a state of calamity in Cebu City. Councilor Alcover stressed the importance of a proactive approach to mitigate the economic fallout from disasters.
The resolution explicitly states that waiving these fees will provide much-needed financial breathing room for entrepreneurs. This enables them to restart their operations faster, which is essential for the overall restoration of livelihoods and the stabilization of Cebu City's local economy after the widespread destruction left by Typhoon Tino.
