Tag: economy

For Shakey’s Philippines, 2021 will be a bounce-back year

For Shakey’s Philippines, 2021 will be a bounce-back year

carlocarrasco

It has been almost fifty years since Shakey’s first opened here in the Philippines and went on to become one of the most defining restaurants that families visit for very delicious meals, especially when it comes to pizza. Shakey’s has over 200 stores (both franchised and owned by the company) nationwide according to details posted in the Shakey’s Philippines website. Its strong presence in the Philippines was confirmed in 2015 when Euromonitor published a report showing that Shakey’s is the market leader in the categories of chained pizza full-service restaurants and in chained full-service restaurants. The results for both categories were 26.7% and 57.7% market shares.

Along the way, Shakey’s Philippines has a sibling business called Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken which has a growing number of outlets. Inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City, the Shakey’s branch along Aguirre Avenue has a Peri-Peri outlet right beside it.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected businesses and societies in 2020. It was so severe, the Philippine economy shrank by a record 9.5%. As of this writing, a whole lot of people around the nation remain unemployed and more people fell under poverty.

The year 2021, however, will be different as far as Shakey’s Philippines is concerned. The company just announced that they will open fifteen new Shakey’s branches as well as fifteen new Peri-Peri outlets this year. These are parts of their plan to restart a store network expansion strategy that was put on hold last year due to the pandemic. Below is an excerpt from Shakey’s press release published on Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“For Shakey’s, we are looking to further strengthen the brand’s visibility and awareness, especially in underpenetrated second and third-tier cities outside of Metro Manila. For Peri, there are still a number of unserved markets which don’t have access to the brand’s great-tasting products,” Shakey’s president and chief executive officer Vicente Gregorio said.

Last 2020, the company ended with 245 Shakey’s restaurants, three of which were located abroad, and 34 Peri outlets all located in the Philippines.

It also launched a number of new offerings in select outlets including the ability for guests to ‘Park & Dine’, ‘Park & Order’, eat outdoors, and order R&B milk tea -one of the leading milk tea brands in Singapore.

“With evolving consumer habits brought about by the pandemic, our network expansion strategy has likewise adapted to ensure we maximize both our in-store and out-of-store presence. Our new openings this year will cater not only to our guests’ dine-in preference, but also their increasing need for more convenient and flexible out-of-store options,” Gregorio said.

He said Shakey’s will be unveiling a number of so-called ghost kitchens or kitchen extensions “to further strengthen our presence in delivery” at a time when off-premise channels are gaining prominence.

In the last few months, the company has been piloting a ‘31 Minute Delivery, If It’s Late, It’s Free’ guarantee in select areas in Metro Manila.

Gregorio added the company’s planned expansion this year “will come hand in hand with other exciting new business innovations that will maximize our existing asset base.”

“2021 will definitely be an exciting ‘bounce-back’ year,” he said.

As you can see in the above details, Shakey’s Philippines continues to push forward with their business and strategies even during this COVID-19 crisis. This is indeed encouraging not only for the business-minded people but also to Shakey’s many loyal customers as well as other food enthusiasts who love pizza, pasta and other meals served by the company.

In my experience, Shakey’s always serve very delicious fried chicken, mojos and spaghetti.

As Shakey’s president and CEO Gregorio stated, their company is taking steps on keeping up with the changing consumer habits and, more notably, they are making their business accessible to the consumers. In short, Shakey’s Philippines won’t allow itself to be a victim of change but rather be a part of it and keep on feeding the customers. That being said, 2021 is for them a bounce-back year.

Now that you have read this, I’d like to ask when was the last time you eat inside a Shakey’s? Have you ordered food from them lately? What is the first type of food that comes to your mind when you hear their brand?

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Majority of Metro Manila Mayors support shift to MGCQ status by March 1, 2021

Majority of Metro Manila Mayors support shift to MGCQ status by March 1, 2021

carlocarrasco

President Rodrigo Duterte will have a big decision to make that will affect millions of residents and businesses in Metro Manila as a majority of the mayors voted to shift the metropolis from general community quarantine (GCQ) to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status by March 1, 2021, as based on a news release on Philippine News Agency (PNA) that got published just last night.

Here’s an excerpt from the PNA report:

The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of Metro Manila mayors and national government officials, has voted to support the proposed shift to the less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in Metro Manila.

“Ang karamihan po ng alkalde ng kalakhang maynila ay bumoto na MGCQ na po ang magiging posisyon nila pagdating sa Metro Manila (Most of the mayors in Metro Manila voted for having MGCQ as their position in Metro Manila),” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said in a press conference on Thursday.

This, he said, will be sent to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and to President Rodrigo R. Duterte who will make the final decision on whether to implement eased quarantine restrictions by March 1.

He declined to provide the actual number of votes the proposal received but said that all Metro Manila mayors will support the decision.

Indeed, Abalos did not reveal the number of Yes and No votes but the Manila Bulletin reported that the score among Metro Manila mayors was 9-8 in favor of MGCQ.

To put things in perspective, Metro Manila still has yet to adjust to MGCQ status. Metro Manila is the hot spot of multiple cities where a lot of residents as well as business entities of varied sizes are located at. Right now, the nation needs a major boost to its economy even as there is still the need to be vigilant to avoid new COVID-19 infections. Lots of people in the metropolis remain unemployed and badly need income, and having Metro Manila shift to MGCQ status will help revive other businesses and pave the way for more people to get back to work.

It would be nice to see the Metro Manila Council research more and observe closely how other cities and provinces are doing while maintaining MGCQ statuses for months already.

On a grander scale, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) supports the recommendation to have the entire nation placed under MGCQ status by March. The said recommendation was made by Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua in recent times. Below is an excerpt from the PNA report:

“It is about time we move to MGCQ after a year of lockdown,” Lopez told reporters in a Viber message Tuesday. “Lockdown was supposed to buy us time to prepare our health system and improve contact tracing and ‘Trace-Test-Treat’.”

Since June 2020, the National Capital Region (NCR) has not graduated from GCQ status, a stricter community quarantine measure than MGCQ.

It even went back to much stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Aug. 4 to 18 last year as health care facilities in Metro Manila were overwhelmed due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases during that period.

“As the Philippines recovers, Metro Manila has a very weak recovery, worse in employment and hunger recovery, and that means more urban poor. The damages to malnutrition and other health and social issues will be irreversible,” Lopez said.

NCR accounted for around 40 percent of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP).

But Lopez added the reopening of more economic activities should depend on the Covid-19 statistics.

As pointed out by Trade secretary Lopez, Metro Manila is lagging behind in terms of recovery from the pandemic. Apart from joblessness and lack of income, poverty in the National Capital Region is an important problem to solve. The more people fall under poverty, the more local government units (LGUs) need to exert and spend their limited resources to support them.

Right now, the Metro Manila Council’s approval of shifting to MGCQ status will soon be dealt with by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and President Duterte.

In ending this, here are some videos about combatting the China virus.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A chance for recovery for more Philippine cinemas (and their employees)

A chance for recovery for more Philippine cinemas (and their employees)

carlocarrasco

Wow. That was quite a ride of information updates that happened the last few days. Last Friday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that it has allowed a variety of businesses around the Philippines to resume operations so that they can recover from this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Such businesses specified were driving schools, video arcades, theme parks, natural sites, historical landmarks, parks and, most notably of all, cinemas (or movie theaters).

However, the Metro Manila mayors reacted and expressed their opposition against the national government’s decision on allowing cinemas to reopen. Through the media, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos stated that a “majority of Metro Manila mayors agreed not to open as far as cinema is concerned.”

Below is an excerpt from the Manila Times article on Abalos…

He noted that movie theaters are enclosed and air-conditioned spaces where people stay for more than 30 minutes, conditions that increase the risk of coronavirus transmission.

To put things in perspective, Metro Manila is composed of many major Philippine cities such as Makati, Quezon City, Manila and Muntinlupa to name a few. Until now, Metro Manila remains under GCQ (General Community Quarantine) status while certain other cities or provinces have been enduring the MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) status. As of this writing, the only cinemas operating here in the Philippines are those located in MGCQ areas.

Here in Metro Manila, movie theaters have been closed since March 2020. Take note of that.

As a result of the Metro Manila mayors’ opposition, it has been announced that the reopening of cinemas has been moved to March 1, 2021, but that is not guaranteed. According to the news release published yesterday at Philippine News Agency, the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas has been moved to the first of March to allow consultations with local officials, and this is the result of talks with MMDA’s Abalos, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia and Trade Secretary Lopez.

Malacañang stated in the release: The IATF respects the position of mayors, especially those in Metro Manila. That’s why the resolution stated that the reopening of cinemas will be effective after drafting guidelines with local governments particularly when it comes to seating capacity in cinemas.

As you can see, there is still some work needed to be done before Metro Manila movie theaters (or any theaters in GCQ areas in general) can be allowed to reopen. This is why, in my view, the March 1 target for reopening could be missed.

More on the cinemas, I wonder if the Metro Manila mayors and their advisers did enough research about the economics. I understand they want to avoid the risk of people getting infected with COVID-19 within their respective cities, but there is still the need for economic recovery even if cinemas are to operate at less than 100% capacity and efficiency

From an economic point of view, thanks to information released by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, the so-called traditional cinema industry of the nation employed 300,000 workers and had generated revenues of P13 billion BEFORE the pandemic started last year. Because of the pandemic, 2020 theater revenues shrunk down to only P1.3 billion.

Whatever happened to them as a result of the pandemic, 300,000 cinema employees is a figure that should not be ignored nor dismissed so quickly by the mayors and their advisers. Economic recovery is a must.

In an ABS-CBN news report, the cinema operators and movie producers have decided to adopt a so-called wait-and-see approach on the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas.

Here’s an excerpt from the report:

Although they welcome the easing of quarantine restrictions, local producers and theater operators believe that ultimately, the reopening of cinemas will still be dependent on the clearance of local government units.

Roselle Monteverde and Vincent del Rosario, who helm Regal and Viva Entertainment, respectively, told ABS-CBN News that they have the capability to provide cinemas with movie material, some of which have long been canned. Nonetheless, along with other members of the local producers association, the movie magnates are still awaiting the IATF guidelines and, more important, the guidance of mayors.

And here’s another excerpt, this time about two major cinema chain operators.

Megaworld Cinemas and SM Cinemas, which both control a vast chain of theater chains, told ABS-CBN News that they will wait for the final guidelines of the IATF and local government units.

Bomboy Lim of Robinson Cinemas also told ABS-CBN News that the bottomline is securing the approval of local government units. “Priority din namin ang ligtas na panonood ng tao. Kailangan nating sundin ang lahat ng guidelines including the IATF. Right now, they are still making it.”

Robinson Cinemas, which has an estimated 200 theaters nationwide in its malls nationwide, have not reopened since March 2020.

Over at the City of Manila, the local authorities there announced it will offer free swab tests to movie theater workers within their jurisdiction. Mayor Isko Moreno said that the swab tests are required before the city government allows malls to open their movie houses. Cinema workers specified are janitors, security guards, tellers, ushers, porters, ticket sellers and snack bar attendants to name some. Managers of malls in the city were asked by the mayor to present to the city government their respective preparations for the reopening of their cinemas with public safety in mind.

As I personally observed in shopping malls with cinemas here in South Metro Manila, each of them has established rules and set up special equipment to monitor the health statuses of people entering their respective places. I can imagine local cinemas inside these malls having similar equipment, disinfectant machines, and temperature scanners. It would be helpful if the malls or cinema operators can afford to set up sanitation tunnels (like those in Israel) for moviegoers to pass thru when entering and exiting the movie theater. Watch the video below…

Even though things look unclear, the fact remains is that operators of movie theaters and their employees now have a chance to resume their business and do their part in the recovery economically and socially. How the IATF and the Metro Manila mayors will decide the fate of the cinemas remains to be seen.

If there are any major updates, you will be notified right here at www.CarloCarrasco.com

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

carlocarrasco

Yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is aimed to reduce the corporate income tax which should lead to creating more jobs as well as attracting investments.

Given the dramatic fall of the Philippine economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CREATE bill could be the big solution to boost the economy and pave the way for recovery. For almost a year now, the said pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their jobs and much of their income. A lot of businesses closed down as well.

For your reference, here is a long excerpt of the news release about the said bill published via Philippine News Agency (PNA). Key words are highlighted in bold:

The recent bicameral approval of the game-changing CREATE Act can also provide a big boost to the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force chaired by the DTI and co-chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which was signed last Feb. 5 by several agencies.  

“The landmark tax and incentives reform bill that we expect to be signed by the President is expected to bring in (a) massive inflow of investments that will create more jobs, especially as we focus efforts in the National Employment Recovery during this period of the pandemic and beyond. The passing of CREATE will firm up the tax and incentive reforms that will make the investment climate significantly more attractive than the current tax and incentive regime,” Lopez said in a statement.

He said the bill will certainly encourage more investments with the lowering of the corporate income taxes rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for large corporations.

“Modernizing the incentives system likewise makes the incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH), special corporate income tax rates (SCIT) or enhanced deductions (ED), available to industries considered strategic, critical or export oriented,” he added.

The Trade chief said the length of incentives, such as four to seven years of ITH plus five or 10 years of SCIT or ED, will depend on the nature of industry, export or domestic oriented, degree of technology and value adding, and geographical location, with additional years outside the Metro Manila and urban centers.

“There is also (a) longer transition period for those currently granted incentives. Thus, incentives are now made more performance-based, focused and timebound,” Lopez said.

CREATE is a bill certified urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon the recommendation of the economic team led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Lopez also thanked the legislators at the Senate and the House of Representatives, with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, as principal authors, for the hard work of the committee members in bringing the CREATE bill to fruition.

“The passing of CREATE will unleash the growth potential of investments by removing uncertainties during the period that the bill was under deliberation,” Lopez said. “Based on our estimate and those from Cong. Joey Salceda, CREATE can bring in over PHP200 billion of new investments that can generate 1.4 (million) to 2 million incremental jobs.”

CREATE will help boost investments in the Philippines, which would support the 2021 target of the Board of Investments (BOI) of PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals.

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had also estimated that the Philippines bucked the trend in Southeast Asia, and had increased its foreign direct investments (FDIs) during the pandemic by 29 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the NERS 2021-2023 is a medium-term plan anchored on the updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge PH by expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative and improving access and security of employment.

The strategy also takes into consideration the changes in the labor market brought about by the pandemic and the fast adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) technologies.

“NERS shall also consolidate all measures, programs, and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets,” Lopez said.

Members of NERS Oversight Committee include the Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Science and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT),  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Security Council (NSC), as well as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: “This JMC (joint memorandum circular) will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging businesses.”

Lopez further stressed the importance of continuing with the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy to allow the country to regain the growth momentum that it had before the pandemic. 

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Thank you for reading. If you find this post engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

carlocarrasco

Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas announced that property owners in the city who have not settled their dues have until May 15, 2021 to avail of the Tax Amnesty which is the result of the approval of City Ordinance No. 1729-20 (Series of 2021).

The Tax Amnesty covers all unpaid property taxes as well as Local Government interests, penalties and surcharges. Payment of taxes can be done by means of cash or by installment within the stipulated period.

The Tax Amnesty is meant to alleviate the financial concerns of the local constituents by giving them sufficient time to settle their taxes as the City Government is fully aware of the challenges and hardships caused by the pandemic on public health and on the economy.

Those who will be doing transactions at City Hall are advised to follow health and safety protocols.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City at Work – January 28, 2021

Muntinlupa City at Work – January 28, 2021

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The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to serve its constituents by executing varied forms of public service. To catch up with what they’ve been doing lately, here is a quick look at the recent developments in the city.

Yesterday, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi turned over the City Government’s loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries at City Hall. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. The mayor hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs.

A total of P938,000 worth of loans was released by the City Government of Muntinlupa under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Mayor Fresnedi checks on a local entrepreneur. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday announced that it has officially extended this year’s business permits renewal to February 11, 2021 from its original schedule on January 29 without penalties in a bid to help members of the private sector who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office requested for the extension of the business permits registration to the City Council following a consultation with owners of commercial establishments in the city.

Muntinlupa City Council readies a resolution granting the extension of the filing and renewal of Business Permits and the payment of business taxes, fees, and other charges without penalty up to the closing hours of February 11, 2021.

The BPLO vows to assist business locators in the registration process and other services. Muntinlupa City’s Business Permits Renewal Hub is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00AM – 5:00PM at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented in the Renewal Hub which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, and installation of alcohol sprays and sneeze guards. The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The local government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021. Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines.

A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers. Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTVs) are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

Recently, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officials visited Muntinlupa City’s Business Permit Renewal Hub at Muntinlupa Sports Center for an inspection audit last January 21. ARTA lauded Muntinlupa’s policies on Ease of Doing Business including the Zero Contact Policy, Queuing System, and strict implementation of minimum health protocols.

Joining the audit were ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) Ernesto V. Perez, Director Grace Fernandez, ARTA exec Atty. Marco Balleser, DILG Muntinlupa representative James Fadrilan, and LEIPO Gary Llamas. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

carlocarrasco

The annual Business Permits Renewal process in Muntinlupa City commenced in a bigger venue with strict health measures in place to comply with IATF safety protocols.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi assures business locators in the city that health protocols are strictly observed in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal Hub located at the Center Court of Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Fresnedi inspected the venue with Local Economic Investment Promotions Officer Gary Llamas, City Administrator and Business Permits Licensing Officer Allan Cachuela, and other local officials during the opening of the renewal event last January 4.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, installation of alcohol sprays, and monitoring of ‘sneeze guards.’.

The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The City Government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021.

Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines. A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers.

Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television System are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

The 2021 Business Permit Renewal will run from January 2 to 29, 2021 and BPLO Muntinlupa will serve clients from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Currently, there are 15,144 registered business in the city. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Top Ten “Early Bird” Taxpayers in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal receive cerficates of recognition and grocery packages from the City Government. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (5th from left) and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela (left) greeted early taxpayers and extended his gratitude to the business owners for renewing their businesses in the city last January 4. The business renewal event will run until January 29 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

Mayor Fresnedi thanked the business owners for their punctuality in paying their dues and renewing their businesses in the city despite challenges brought about by the pandemic. The local exec also encouraged other locators to skip “rush days” of registration nearing the deadline.

He vowed to assist local entrepreneurs in the city through various social and economic programs and services for their recovery.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa launches the BEST (Business E-payment System), online business registration as e-governance innovations amid the pandemic

Muntinlupa launches the BEST (Business E-payment System), online business registration as e-governance innovations amid the pandemic

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The City Government of Muntinlupa formally introduced a contactless and cashless processing of business applications and payments through the launching of BEST (Business E-payment System), an e-governance innovation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a bid to address the challenges of the pandemic to face-to-face transactions, the City Government, through its partner banks Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank of the Philippines, formally launched the Business E-payment System (AKA Muntinlupa BEST) yesterday.

The counters where business applicants and taxpayers can do their transactions. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the City Government developed the project to adapt to the “new normal” of public service which requires an open government approach and use of digital platforms.

Fresnedi added that through the e-governance initiative, the risk of COVID-19 transmission will also be prevented due to reduced contact of clients and government employees who will process their applications.

Muntinlupa BEST is an online payment alternative that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device. Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

Upon assessment and verification of payment, the Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office shall endorse an advanced e-copy of the requested permit to the client via email.  The total processing time is shortened to around 30 minutes for applications with complete set of requirements.

Clients can schedule the pick-up of original documents or arrange delivery via courier service. The platform also serves as online portal for transactions processed by the Treasury Office which include application and submission of requirements, acquisition of assessment billing, Order of Payment and e-Payment for the convenience of taxpayers.

Payments can be processed through Bancnet and PESONet partner banks or over-the-counter via ECPAY, Bayad Express and 7-Eleven outlets. Taxpayers can now conveniently pay their taxes at their own time and within the safety of their homes.

Safety protocols and high-tech equipment are on place to ensure a safe environment for everyone. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa BEST is facilitated by the city’s BPLO, the Mayor’s Office, the Management Information Systems Office, and the City Treasurer’s Office, Muntinlupa City is a frontrunner in business innovations which include the Single Window Transaction – Muntinlupa Business One Stop Shop. It is an innovative single-interface business registration process consisting of three simple steps with one and the same staff from start to end of the transaction for as fast as fifteen minutes.

Muntinlupa’s initiative in government efficiency has been recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as one of the best practices in the country.

SWiT-MBOSS qualified as a finalist in the 4th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) organized by the Asian Productivity Organization. Muntinlupa City shared runner up standing with Texas Instruments (Philippines) and City of El Paso, Texas (USA), while tied as the competition’s champions were Al Jazeera International Catering LLC (UAE) and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (UAE).

Further, Muntinlupa City has been adjudged as one of the winners of the Digital Cities Philippines Awards for Best Practices in eGovernance for Local Government Units. In 2018, Muntinlupa bagged the 2nd place in the Best in eGOV Government Inter-operability (G2G) category for its Budget Management and Monitoring System (BMMS) besting 65 entries from 36 LGUs in the country.

Muntinlupa City is the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Most Business-Friendly LGU in 2017 and 2018.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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Muntinlupa City extends tax relief anew, penalties for late payment waived until December 29, 2020

Muntinlupa City extends tax relief anew, penalties for late payment waived until December 29, 2020

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The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday its move to relax the collection of penalties for late payment of business taxes from the second quarter until the remainder of the year in a bid to help the private sector to recover from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed City Ordinance 2020-150 waiving penalties and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of business taxes from 2nd to 4th quarter of 2020 as assistance to the business sector.

Fresnedi said as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic further intensify the hurdles being faced by the private sector, the City Government of Muntinlupa as a partner to business sector will extend its assistance by providing for tax reliefs.

However, all business taxes due for the said period shall however be subject to the penalties and interest prescribed by Muntinlupa Revenue Code if not paid on or before December 29, 2020. Muntinlupa City Business Permits and Licensing Office advised business taxpayers in the city to settle all outstanding balances on or before the deadline to avoid incurring penalties.

Earlier this year, Muntinlupa City has imposed several extension of deadlines for the payment of taxes and fees amid the community quarantine in Metro Manila.

In May, Muntinlupa City Council adapted the Department of Finance (DOF) Department Circular (DC) No. 002-2020 through City Ordinance 2020-095 for the uniform adoption and implementation on the extension of deadlines for the payment of local taxes, fees, and charges imposed by local government units from March 25 to June 25, 2020.

Read the details closely. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Government of Muntinlupa has also passed ordinances in March providing a two-month payment extension on Real Property Tax payments and other payables to the City Government for the 1st Quarter, including payment for business taxes and fees for the 2nd Quarter, without penalties, surcharge, and interest. Penalties and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of 2nd and 3rd quarter business taxes were also waived through City Ordinance 2020-146.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa recognized the City Government’s implementation of the Local Economic Continuity Plan which outlines programs and activities for business adaptation in the time of the pandemic and future programs for economic recovery.

PCCI-Muntinlupa president Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon conferred the Sterling Growth Catalyst Award to Mayor Fresnedi in recognition of his leadership in addressing the health crisis while still boosting the sustainability of local economy last July. Quiazon said the local chamber lauds the mayor’s “transformational and adaptable leadership, commitment and eminent public service to boost the development and sustainability of the Muntinlupa City in challenging times.”

As of November 25, Muntinlupa City has 4,867 confirmed cases with 4,666 recoveries, 43 active cases, 158 reported deaths, 43 suspect cases, and 234 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673