Calamba City Launches eBOSS for Streamlined Business Tax and Permit Payments
CALAMBA CITY: The local government recently announced the official launch of its electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) program, marking a significant step towards simplifying business-related transactions with the city hall.
According to Philippines News Agency, during Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies, the eBOSS portal enables entrepreneurs to pay their business taxes and permits electronically, while still offering the traditional in-person payment method. This initiative has garnered recognition from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), a presidential office agency, for its contribution to improving the ease of doing business in Calamba.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez is scheduled to visit Calamba to formally acknowledge the city’s advancements in facilitating business operations. This recognition aligns with the objectives of Republic Act 11032, also known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” enacted in 2018.
Mayor Rizal emphasized the efficiency of the eBOSS system, highlighting its reduced requirements, fewer signatories, and expedited processes for obtaining business permits. He stressed the importance of these revenues in funding essential services for Calamba residents and salaries for the city’s over 4,200 government employees, which include around 1,200 permanent staff and numerous contract or job order workers.
Bernadette Opulencia, head of the Business Permits and Tricycle Franchising Office (BPTFO), described the online permit application and renewal process as a significant technological advancement for city hall, leading to quicker and more effective service delivery. She pointed out that this digitalization effort, including the use of the CalamBago online app, is a step towards transforming Calamba into a smart city and demonstrates full compliance with the ease of doing business law.
Opulencia also noted that the digital platform allows for convenient application and payment of business taxes and permits using computers or smartphones, anytime and anywhere.
Furthermore, the City Treasury Management Office announced during the ceremonies that Calamba’s revenue collection has shown an annual growth rate of about 18 percent from 2021 to November 2023, signaling a recovery from the pandemic-induced economic downturn. The deadlines for business tax payments have been set for January 31, and real property tax payments have been extended until March 31 without penalties.