City gov’t to run after businesses with misdeclared info

BACOLOD City – The city government here will run after business establishments that misdeclare information in their applications for business permits.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said applicants may be held criminally liable, especially those with under-declared sales income.

Anyone found guilty will have their business establishments closed as well as be charged by the city with a criminal offense, according to legal officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr.

The city is currently conducting business one-stop-shop processing for new applications and renewing business permits for this year. Applicants may opt for walk-in at Ayala Malls Capitol Central or through online processing.

Benitez disclosed that applicants can immediately get their business permits through online processing as long as all the requirements are met.

“Because this process has no validation, applicants have to be honest in declaring their information. If the city finds out that they misdeclared, it will be at their own risk,” the mayor said./PN