By CESAR JOLITO III

Business owners in Bacolod City will have more time to renew their permits after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved an ordinance extending the deadline for the application and renewal of business permits and licenses to March 31, 2026.

The measure, passed on final reading, grants the request of Mayor Greg Gasataya to ease the compliance timeline for enterprises operating in the city.

Under the ordinance, businesses that settle their permit fees on or before February 28, 2026 will continue to enjoy a 10 percent discount.

Meanwhile, payments made from March 1 to March 31, 2026 will still be accepted without penalties or surcharges, allowing business owners additional breathing room to comply with city requirements without incurring extra costs.

City officials said the extension is intended to support the local business sector — particularly small and medium enterprises — while ensuring sustained compliance with local regulations and revenue measures.

The ordinance was authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, who noted that the policy strikes a balance between revenue generation and economic support.

“This extension gives our business community enough time to comply without unnecessary pressure, while still encouraging early payment through incentives,” Distrito said./CJ, WDJ