The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) called on local government units (LGUs) to extend the period of renewal of business permits and payment of real property tax until the end of the first quarter of 2022.
ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica reiterated the importance of health and safety amid the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines over the past few days.
“This is a time for us to approach situations with more compassion and sensitivity. With record-breaking number of COVID-19 cases being announced almost every day, we at ARTA believe it is only right to extend the period of renewal of business permits,” he said.
“Public health should be the government’s topmost priority right now. People traveling to city halls to renew their business permits and pay their real property tax would not help in curbing the spread of the virus,” he added.
The period of renewal of business permits starts from from January 3 to 20. LGU leaders have the power to extend the period.