Tag: tax

COVID-19 Crisis: The high cost of ECQ on the Philippine economy

COVID-19 Crisis: The high cost of ECQ on the Philippine economy

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You must be wondering how much of a price did the nation pay as a result of the 2-week ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) ordered on NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal).

The answer? P180 billion in terms of economic losses according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) accounting for 1% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article of April 15, 2021. Some parts in bold…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has estimated that the country lost 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in National Capital Region (NCR) and four nearby provinces.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the economic loss due to the half-a-month ECQ in NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal (NCR Plus) is equivalent to PHP180 billion.

Earlier, Lopez said around 1.5 million Filipinos had no jobs during the ECQ in NCR Plus, and only 500,000 jobs were brought back when the quarantine classification for areas was downgraded to a less strict modified ECQ (MECQ).

“We want to see lower Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases and lower utilization rate of (Covid-19 beds) before we ease the status to GCQ (general community quarantine),” he said in Filipino.

The DTI chief also downplayed speculation that the reopening of economic activities and business establishments became the ‘super spreader’ of Covid-19.

To manage the rate of infection of the coronavirus, Lopez said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) will not allow high-risk and non-essential activities and gatherings.

He added the government must slow down the daily Covid-19 cases while increasing the health care capacity to relax community quarantine status in the NCR Plus.

Clearly, the 2-week ECQ period on NCR Plus was damaging not only to the businesses and people of the affected region but on the Philippine economy as well. What we cannot see yet is exactly how many more people – specifically those who lost jobs in NCR Plus because of ECQ – fell into poverty. Take note that the more people fall into poverty, the more costly it becomes for the local government units (LGUs) and the nation government to provide support to them using taxpayers’ money.

As it has been a week since NCR Plus shifted to MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), we will find out soon how much the region and the national economy recovered from the high cost of ECQ.

If you do the math, a single week of ECQ on NCR Plus costs P90 billion. Can you just imagine the dramatic cost to the nation had ECQ went on for a full year of 52 weeks? Do not forget that all the unemployed bad need jobs and income.

Right now, the national government and varied forms of governing units are still struggling to balance themselves between economics and public health during this COVID-19 (China virus) pandemic that has lasted over a year now. No matter how you do your business, how you make your important transactions, follow the health protocols to avoid getting infected with the China virus.

By the way, whenever possible, support the business joints in your local community whenever you need to buy or consume something. By the way, never let the Political Left fool you with their propaganda related to economy and the pandemic.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article 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

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

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

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

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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 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.

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

Muntinlupa City Government extends tax relief anew until November 20, looks for courier service providers

Muntinlupa City Government extends tax relief anew until November 20, looks for courier service providers

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The City Government of Muntinlupa approved a business tax amnesty for the late payment of business taxes due for the second and third quarters amid the economic disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed City Ordinance 2020-146 this past Wednesday effectively waiving penalties and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of 2nd and 3rd quarter business taxes for the year 2020 as assistance to members of the private sector.

Under the local ordinance, the waiver of penalties and surcharges shall have a prospective application and will not pertain to business taxes already settled. 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 November 20, 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.

Further, the City Government of Muntinlupa is looking for courier service providers to aid in the distribution of business permit certificates to business locators in the city.

Interested parties may submit their proposals to Muntinlupa City Business Permits and Licensing Office thru their email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com until 5:00 PM on November 18.

Muntinlupa City has imposed several extension of deadlines of 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.

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.

As of November 4, Muntinlupa City has 4,700 confirmed cases with 4,502 recoveries, 45 active cases, 153 reported deaths, 67 suspect cases, and 282 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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa extends deadline of payment of taxes, fees to June 25 amid extended quarantine

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa extends deadline of payment of taxes, fees to June 25 amid extended quarantine

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa extends deadline of payment of taxes, fees to June 25 amid extended quarantine

In a move to help the public amid the severe disruption of economic activities brought about by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and extended quarantine protocols, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced the extension of the deadline of payment of taxes and other fees.

The City Council of Muntinlupa 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.

Section 4 of the circular mandates LGUs to extend the deadlines for the payment of all local taxes, fees, and charges as of March 25 to June 25, 2020.

The extension of the period for the payment of tax on business and other taxes without penalties or surcharges shall cover the following: Real Property Tax, Business Tax, Franchise Tax, Tax on delivery trucks and vans, Tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources, fines and penalties on business tax.

Business taxes cover manufacturers, assemblers, wholesalers, distributors, exporters, manufacturers, dealers, retailers, contractors and other independent contractors, banks and other independent contractors, peddlers, printing and publication tax, and tax on amusement places.

Other forms of taxes included in the extension of deadline include Community Tax (Corporation, Individual), Professional Tax, Real Property Transfer Tax, other taxes, and fines and penalties for other taxes.

As a result of the extension, no interest, surcharge or any form of penalty shall be applied on any local tax, fee or charge accruing on or due and demandable during the extension period.

Further, previous delinquencies shall be due and the accrual of interest, penalties and surcharges shall begin after the extension.

The relaxation in deadline of payment also adheres to Bureau of Local Government Finance Memorandum Circular No. 010-2020 reiterating the extension of deadlines pursuant to Section 4(z) of RA No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The City of Muntinlupa has 202 confirmed cases with 122 recoveries, 51 active cases, 29 reported deaths, 19 suspect cases, and 191 probable cases as of May 19.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. 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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Muntinlupa Real Property Taxpayers to Receive 10% Discount Upon Timely Payment

Muntinlupa Real Property Taxpayers to Receive 10% Discount Upon Timely Payment

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The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday the schedule of payment of real property tax in their city for 2020 and also launched its incentives program for RPT payers who will pay on or before quarterly deadline.

Muntinlupa City Treasurer’s Office released the deadline of payment of real property tax on the following dates: March 1, 2020 (1st Installment, Q1), June 30, 2020 (2nd Installment, Q2), September 30, 2020 (3rd Installment, Q3), and December 31, 2020 (4th Installment, Q4).

Taxpayers with no delinquency who shall pay their real property taxes on or before deadlines of payment are entitled to a ten percent (10%) discount.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauded this incentive system as it will boost tax revenues for the city to be utilized in various programs and services for the city residents. The mayor said the City Government shifts in being more customer-driven which accelerates public services, bringing ease transactions for the public.

RPT payers in Muntinlupa can also pay their taxes at Muntinlupa Online Real-Property Payment System (MORPS) through the electronic banking system of the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The RPT e-Payment system, first of its kind in Metro Manila, aims to course transaction of its major taxpayers through electronic channels to provide them with efficient and less-time consuming delivery of services.

An interface with MORPS will handle real-time property tax payment and can process transactions in less than 15 minutes. An easy and taxpayer-friendly application for every Muntinlupenos, it targets to speed up the transaction for the convenience of taxpayers and the reduction of red-tape and under-the-table propositions.

Fresnedi encouraged Muntinlupeños to pay their respective bills ahead of time to avoid penalties.

While MCTO introduced the incentive program, it also noted that upon expiration of the periods given, an interest of two percent (2%) per month not exceeding 36 months or 72% shall be imposed upon delinquent properties for failure to pay the basic real property tax or any other tax levied under the Revenue Code.

For more information, RPT payers can log-in to http://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/RPT/ or visit the City Treasurer’s Office located at Ground Floor, Main Building, Muntinlupa City Hall with tel nos. 8862-2525 loc. 120 or 8862-1491.

The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Members Networking Night

The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Members Networking Night

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The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Members Networking Night

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Varied executives and professionals interact during the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Members Networking Night on July 29, 2019.

Let me share to you all that I had a grand time meeting with varied business people and professionals. On the evening of July 29 at Manila Elks Club in Makati City, I attended the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Members Networking Night organized by the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. The result was a lot of enlightenment on my part and satisfaction now that I have brand new connections with many professionals.

I also had a grand experience learning about the strengthening ties between the Philippines and Israel. Since a miracle happened to me last year, I moved forward personally, socially and professionally. Along the way, I gained tremendous interest on Israel which I hope to visit someday.

As a nation, Israel is highly significant. It is one of the most innovative nations in the whole world as confirmed by a recent study. In addition to establishing ties with other professionals, my passion for Israel was a key factor behind my participation in the Networking Night event.

During the event, there was a program with a nice presentation to the members and the guests. Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Sagiv Massad warmly welcomed us with his remarks followed by a short speech delivered by Ms. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov who is the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Israel.

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Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Sagiv Massad. (photo credit: Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines)

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Ms. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov of the Embassy of Israel gave useful updates about Philippines-Israel relations.

The Deputy Chief of Mission confirmed that bilateral ties between the Philippines and Israel are indeed getting stronger.

“The job that Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines has been doing is very much appreciated by the embassy. It is a great contribution to our bilateral relations,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov. “I am very pleased to mention that we have very positive developments in the relations between Israel and the Philippines recently.”

While emphasizing the positive developments, she mentioned President Rodrigo Duterte’s official visit to Israel in 2018 which is a milestone as it marked the first time a Philippine President visited the country. Duterte had a big delegation with him to Israel and a lot of agreements were signed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Duterte.

The Deputy Chief of Mission mentioned that one of the signed agreements was related to the employment of caregivers and that fees on them would be reduced. Already there are 35,000 Filipino caregivers working in Israel who contributed a lot to the local society. The other agreement mentioned was about the employment of Filipino workers in the tourism industry of Israel. As a nation, Israel has a population of nine million and attracts four million tourists yearly. The Philippines was the first nation approached by Israel for its tourism needs.

After the update about Philippines-Israel relations, networking followed and it was during this time I met with varied professionals and business executives. We introduced ourselves, exchanged business cards and talked business. Along the way, I learned a lot from the professionals I met whose expertise include marketing, logistics, tax law, travel, sales, the airline industry, business solution development, events organizing, fruit processing, career development, real estate, etc.

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Guests smile during the networking. (photo credit: Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines)

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That’s me on the foreground talking with Bayani Liwanag, Jr., the sales manager of Salton Travel and Tours. (photo credit: Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines)

As the event went on, some prizes were raffled off to very lucky winners (including myself).

By the end of the Networking Night, I went home very enlightened, delighted and satisfied. There is nothing like making a whole lot of connections with varied professionals in just a few hours’ time. In the world of business, having connections is essential and they can add a lot to your business performance as well as its development.

Lastly, I should say that during my previous career as a community newspaper reporter, I attended and reported about the activities of the Parañaque City chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI). Privately I also attended some conferences that attracted varied industry professionals. The Chamber’s Networking Night is the most significant corporate event I attended yet. Now that I’m working in industry and attended this memorable July 29 event, I certainly will watch out for the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ next event and eventually learn more about Israel and its ties with the Philippines.

What is the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines?

You must be wondering – what exactly is the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and how significant are they? Let me explain.

The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines was established with a purpose to foster, enable, facilitate and ensure the success of its members’ businesses while promoting business-to-business networking between Israel and the Philippines. The Chamber aims to collaborate with Philippine government officials, agencies and bureaus, as well as business and community leaders in dealing with important and critical issues affecting business and industries in both countries, while contributing to their civic, social and economic development.

With regards to the benefits of being a member of the Chamber, the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines represents and further the interests of each member. Through General Membership meetings, Business Forums and other events, Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines members receive assistance in promoting their companies and individual interests, keeping them abreast and ahead of business trends both in the country and in Israel.

The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines has a well established network with varied foreign and local chambers. They have ties with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), other industry group-focused trade and business organizations as well. The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines constantly strives to be the premiere comprehensive resource and vehicle for the achievement of a strong and meaningful bilateral trade relationship between Israel and the Philippines that would be mutually beneficial to both countries.

The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is currently open for local businesses who wish to join them as a member.

If you wish to learn more about the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, visit their website at ICCP.ph and follow their official Facebook page.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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

 

 

New deadline for business permit renewal in Muntinlupa is now January 31, 2019

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This is for those who have businesses operating in the City of Muntinlupa. The Business Permit and Licensing Office of Muntinlupa (BPLO-Muntinlupa) announced today that it has officially extended this year’s deadline for renewing business permits from January 20, 2019 to January 31, 2019.

BPLO-Muntinlupa wants business owners reading this to skip the habit of doing registration close to the deadline and instead pay the dues early so that penalties will be avoided. The place to visit for renewing your business permits is at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan with the schedule of Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.

For your convenience, a “One-Stop Shop” arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue. The requirements from Barangay Halls and Regulatory Offices can be processed in the location of the Renewal as representatives of said agencies will be rendering services simultaneously.

For the renewal, taxpayers can use debit cards to pay. There are also mobile ATMs (automatic teller machines) from BDO (Banco de Oro) and Landbank complete with a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television System) placed across the venue. Business owners registering in the renewal may also access the internet through a free wi-fi connection provided by Globe Telecom and Smart.

Free rides? They are being provided for you by means of shuttle services and the pick-up points are located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan and Muntinlupa City Public Market in Alabang.

The list of requirements is available for viewing at the Muntinlupa BPLO Facebook page. For inquiries, call the department’s hotline at 851-BPLO (2756) or 821-3266 now.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your business pursuits. The City of Muntinlupa has been honored for being a very business-friendly city.