TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session MIL 14 A10:45 SENATE S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE (BPLO) IN EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY EXPLANATORY NOTE As a former local chief executive, I am fully aware of how a thriving business community is crucial in achieving stability and prosperity in one's jurisdiction. An excellent business and investment climate means more jobs are generated for the people, goods at competitive prices are available, and better overall consumer experience. The business organization stands as an important and reliable partner of the government, both at the national and local spheres, not only in ensuring economic productivity and dynamism, but also in securing revenues to fund priority programs for the people. Hence, it is essential that there has to be a streamlined, responsive, and efficient dedicated body which shall attend to the concerns and needs of the business sector - from the initial process of registration up to monitoring compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations. This measure, which was reported out by the Senate Committee on Local Government during the 19th Congress, institutionalizes the Business Permit and Licensing Office or BPLO in every city of municipality. It envisions hassle-free and modernized government transactions with respect to setting up, maintaining and
regulating businesses in every locality, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018". In pursuit of national progress, eliminating red tape, and further enhancing government service, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ingentl JINGGOY EERCITO ESTRADA
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 MUL 14 A10:46 SENATE S. No. 482 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSING OFFICE (BPLO) IN EVERY CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Business Permit and
Licensing Office (BPLO) Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to constantly improve
the delivery of frontline 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 permits and licenses.
Sec. 3. Establishment of a Business Permit and Licensing Office. - There is
hereby established a Business Permit and Licensing Office, hereinafter referred to as the Office, which shall, among others, handie the issuance of business permits and licenses as well as formulate and implement policies and proactive measures to increase local employment, draw local and foreign investments, and increase local revenues in all municipalitles or cities.
Sec. 4. Powers, Duties and Functions. - The Business Permits and Licensing
Office (BPLO) shall be responsible for the following: a) Process all 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); b) Monitors and enforces 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) Formulates 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) Initiates, reviews and recommends to the Mayor revenue-generating measures to increase local revenues; e) Enforces all the LGU's tax ordinances and other pertinent laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations; f) Sits as a member of the Local Financial Committee, Local Investment Board and such other bodies as the Mayor shall identify; and 9) Performs such other functions 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, who shall be qualified by the Personnel Selection and Promotions Board (PSPB) 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 No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code.
Sec. 6. Qualifications of the BPLO Chief. - No person shall be appointed as
25 BPLO Chief unless one is: a) a citizen of the Philippines; b) a resident of the local government unit (LGU) concerned; c) of good moral character; d) a holder of a college degree obtained from a recognized college or university; and e) a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
Sec. 7. Composition and Office Structure. - The Business Permits and Licensing
2 Office (BPLO) shall be composed of four (4) principal divisions, namely: a) Administration Division - This division is tasked to handle administrative functions of the Investments and Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO); 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 laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; c) Investments Division - This division is tasked to craft policies that shall increase local investments in the local government in coordination with concerned offices for submission to the local sanggunian (council) for ratification. It shall also supervise compliance of business establishments that have partnered with the local government on investment opportunities. d) Inspection Division - This division shall handle the technical function of the Office through: 1) Tax mapping and regular inspections of all business establishments existing and/or operating within the territorial jurisdiction of the LGU; 2) Issue and/or implement notices and/or orders to the concerned establishments; and 3) Perform such other matters and functions that may be assigned by the Chief, BPLO.
Sec. 8. Staffing Pattern. - For purposes of the creation of the Business Permits
and Licensing Office (BPLO), officers and employees of the local government unit 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 Personnel Selection and Promotions Board (PSPB), 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 possesses 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 laws, rules and regulations.
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - 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. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Office, in coordination with
the concerned offices in the local government unit and in consultation with the stakeholders shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, must issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec. 11. 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 shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations that are
inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed accordingly.
Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. Approved,