The Philippine government, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has re-launched a software application intended to make it easier for companies to renew their business permits.
Called ePBLS or Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System, the application aims to cut long lines and shorten processing times, the DICT said. The DICT’s predecessor, the ICT Office, had initiated the eBPLS during the term of its former head Louis Casambre.
Re-launched on July 18 at Novotel Manila, the software system is seen as another step towards full digitization of government records. It will implement a standard business process flow for online processing and thus will shorten the processing time and is expected to provide continuous updates regarding the application status.
The system will also offer different features and cater to the needs of newly-opened businesses. The online application could be used for new business permits, renewal of business permits, and retirement of business lines.
“The number of unwanted steps (and) signatures to get business permits and licenses from city and municipal governments are often seen as barriers to market,” DICT secretary Rodolfo Salalima said.
The Tax Order of Payment and Business Permits can also be printed online. Other features of the application include endorsement modules for the Office of the Building Official, Sanitary/Health Office, the Bureau of Fire and Protection, and other necessary LGU offices.
The mode of payment through the process of ePBLS system could be done in two ways: at the LGU Treasury Office or via online through the electronic payment option of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines.
The system will be deployed through a cloud platform with storage and network security for LGUS, DICT undersecretary Denis Villorente said. “If we go on a cloud-based approach, a lot of LGUs can address their challenge on deploying an electronic system. This becomes a utility that you can access through the Internet,” Villorente explained.
The software application is expected to be accessed within the year through the websites of the respective LGUs that will employ ePBLS in the country.
