Notarization nixed as Cebu City streamlines business permit application

Local

TO REDUCE costs and streamline transactions for business owners, Cebu City has removed the notarization requirement for the release of temporary business permits.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced the policy shift on Saturday, saying Mayor Nestor Archival had agreed to stop the practice effective immediately after it was found to be unnecessary and burdensome to applicants.

“There are many in City Hall who make a sideline of charging up to P400 for notarizations that are not legally required. This places an unnecessary and unfair burden on our taxpayers,” Osmeña said in a statement.

Osmeña said the city government’s role was to simplify processes rather than add obstacles, noting that the removal of the requirement would speed up permit releases and cut avoidable expenses for businesses.

The change was formalized in a letter dated Jan. 22, 2026, which Osmeña sent to Archival requesting the same-day release of temporary business permits without notarization of application forms and undertakings under oath, provided that all required taxes, charges, and fees have been fully paid.

The request cited Executive Order No. 048, series of 2026, as the basis for streamlining the procedure.

The policy adjustment comes as local governments across Metro Cebu move to ease compliance for business owners at the start of the year.

In Cebu City, business permit renewals that began on Jan. 5 have been extended until Jan. 30, 2026 after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution authorizing the extension.

City Hall transactions start at 8 a.m., with satellite offices operating at SM Seaside City Cebu near the Land Transportation Office and at Robinsons Galleria Cebu on the fourth floor to help decongest the main building.

City officials have also urged taxpayers to use the city’s online payment facility and complete Mayor’s Business Permit applications in advance through the QR code posted on the official Cebu City website.

The Cebu City Treasurer’s Office warned that payments made after Jan. 30 will be subject to a 25 percent surcharge, plus a two percent monthly interest on any unpaid amount.

The advisory, signed by Treasurer’s Office Officer-in-Charge Emma Villarete, encouraged early payment to avoid penalties and processing delays.(TGP)