Applying for and renewing business permits, paying, and getting the permit itself will be totally at one’s fingertips and can be done in a matter of a few minutes as the processes will now be done virtually, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said Friday.
Domagoso conducted a walkthrough of the system with Bureau of Permits chief Levi Facundo and Electronic Data Processing Department Head Fortune Palileo on how the innovative system works.
It is aimed at totally eliminating human interaction and intervention, which is the usual source of delays and even corruption, which paves the way for fixers to come in, the mayor said.
With the virtual application and renewal processes called E-BOSS (electronic business one-stop shop), Domagoso said jokingly that business owners in Manila can transact even inside their comfort rooms and save on time and money spent on fare or gas when they go all the way to City Hall just to transact.
Facundo said the E-BOSS, formally launched on Thursday with City Treasurer Jasmin Talegon also in attendance along with City Engineer Armand Andres and Assistant Secretary Letlet Zarcal, “ushers in a new era for proud Manileños with regards to the City’s revenue generating efforts and its drive to provide a hassle-free online business permit processing scheme for its taxpayers.”
All other requirements attendant to the business permit applications are also incorporated in the online system — the ancillary permits normally required such as the fire safety inspection certificate from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the clearance.
Domagoso said E-BOSS will also lessen the risks of exposure and transmission of COVID-19 for business owners and city employees alike.
According to the mayor, the permits bureau will also be providing personnel that will assist those who are not “techie” enough to comprehend the new system, and teach them so that when they renew, they need no longer go to Manila City Hall.
With the virtual scheme in place, Domagoso said those finding ways to go around the system to thrive on “fixing” and “red tape” will have zero chance in Manila City Hall.
The entire time to finish one transaction is about 25 minutes, and once the amount to be paid is posted, payments can be made online too, the mayor said.
Facundo said the system was developed in line with the national government’s commitment, and more importantly with the mayor’s desire, of addressing bureaucratic red tape.
“It streamlines the business permit processing system and reduces significantly, if not totally eliminates person-to-person transactions in view of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Since the beginning of Domagoso’s term in July 2019, the bureau has introduced major innovations in its efforts to provide convenient, fast, reliable, and efficient service to its taxpayers, Facundo said.
