LUBAO, Pampanga—The local government unit here has extended the deadline for business permits renewal until January 31.
Mayor Esmeralda G. Pineda said the original deadline of January 20 was extended to give business locators ample time to secure the renewal of their permits following a long holiday break.
The 11-day extension was authorized through a Sangguniang Bayan resolution approved during a regular session of the municipal council on January 17.
“We have noticed that even when we extend office hours to accommodate all renewal applications, the original duration of the renewal from January 2 to 20 was still too short a time,” Mayor Pineda said.
As of Monday (January 27), thousands of local businesses have swamped the treasurer’s office to apply for business renewals with hundreds more expected to beat the new deadline on January 31.
“Our businessmen should take advantage of this extension to avoid paying penalties and surcharges,” Mayor Pineda explained.
A 25% penalty is charged on the assessed amount to be paid if the renewal was done after the deadline and another two percent for every month of delay.
After the Monday flag ceremony, Mayor Pineda also hosted a traditional Dragon Dance to celebrate the Lunar New Year which, this year, fell on January 25.
“It was a way to celebrate with our Chinese brothers and sisters. We hope that it will bring good fortune to our locators. If their businesses are doing good, a better local economy will also follow,” the mayor said.