Mayor Nestor D. Archival has issued Memorandum No. 2026-00165, dated March 10, 2026, directing the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to implement Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, to streamline the renewal process.
Under Section 17 of the law, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is required to submit to the city government either the FSIC or a negative list of establishments with pending fire safety compliance issues within three working days from the filing of a renewal application.
Automatic renewal
The negative list will serve as the basis for identifying businesses with unresolved fire safety concerns. Establishments not included in the list will be deemed compliant and allowed to proceed with the renewal of their business permits.
Under the memorandum, a business entity will be considered to have a temporarily valid FSIC if the BFP fails to submit either the FSIC or the negative list within the prescribed three-day period.
This provision allows for the automatic renewal and release of business permits, without prejudice to any future action the BFP may take in cases of fire safety violations.
Addressing concerns
The move was welcomed by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the largest local business organization with more than 800 member companies, saying the initiative directly addresses concerns raised by Cebu CEOs in the 2026 Cebu CEO Survey conducted in partnership with Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines.
In a statement sent to InsiderPH, the CCCI said the survey found that while most business leaders were generally satisfied with securing permits, a significant number still experienced delays or inconsistent responses from government agencies.
Given the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) limited manpower, the CCCI said the city’s initiative would help ensure continuity of service, maintain operational efficiency, and support businesses in meeting compliance requirements without undue burden.
“The city’s new measures promote predictable, timely, and transparent processes that benefit both businesses and the local economy,” the CCCI said.
“By streamlining approvals, reducing unnecessary costs, and embracing digital-friendly mechanisms, Cebu empowers businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and job creation rather than administrative hurdles,” it added.
Improved efficiency
The CCCI also noted that the new initiative complements earlier measures by the city, including the removal of notarization requirements for temporary permits.
The chamber said the reform is not only a key step toward more efficient government service delivery but also a practical measure to help cushion the impact of current challenges on businesses.
By ensuring the prompt processing of permits, the CCCI added, the city enables enterprises to avoid unnecessary delays and financial strain during difficult times. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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