[UPDATED] The Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PPCCI) said business owners continue to face delays, added requirements, and higher costs in securing and renewing business permits in the city.
In a statement, PPCCI said the permit process remains slow and confusing, with applicants required to return repeatedly to comply with new requirements at every step.
“Matagal pa din ang proseso now, Hindi pa din streamlined ang process, pabalik balik pa din ang mga taxpayer dahil at each step, merong panibagong requirements na kailangan,” the chamber said.
The business group added that there are more requirements compared to previous years, including occupancy permits, mandatory benefit clearances, fire safety, and zoning clearances. It added that unlike before, applicants can no longer pay the mayor’s permit in advance to avoid penalties while completing documents, which had benefited both the city’s revenue collection and businesses.
They also raised concerns over the 10% discount for advanced payment of annual business permits, saying the mechanics were unclear and difficult to meet due to clearances required from other government agencies.
“Somewhat complicated ito, vague ang mechanics, and short notice considering the voluminous requirements,” the business owners’ group explained.
PPCCI noted that the ordinance granting the discount was approved on December 10, 2025, but was announced only on January 6, 2026, four days before the January 10 deadline. Based on consultations with its members and accountants processing permits, the chamber said no one was able to avail of the discount.
The group also reported increases in permit-related fees, including a sharp rise in barangay clearance charges starting last year.
“Halos lahat ay tumaas, beginning with last year’s sudden increase of 900% for barangay clearances,” PPCCI said.
Their group said it has yet to feel the effect of the mayor’s order to ease permit processing under the Business One-Stop Shop, adding that the flow has become more tedious due to additional requirements and lack of early information dissemination.
They also called on the city government to release information on new requirements and incentives earlier, explain the basis for higher barangay clearance fees, categorize businesses by size to adjust requirements and costs, and simplify and digitize the permit process through better coordination with national government agencies.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This news was updated at the request of the business group to reflect them as the source.
