By Billy Begas
The House Committee on Local Government has approved the substitute bills mandating the creation of positions for officers of business permit and licensing office (BPLO) and human resource management office (HRMO) in all municipal and city governments.
Valenzuela City Rep. Rex Gatchalian, chairperson of the committee, said creating the position of BPLO officers will subsequently “institutionalize the BPLO as a revenue generating office that will further capacitate LGUs.”
“By institutionalizing the position of the BPLO officer, we are also creating efficiency in local government in the delivery of frontline services, like the issuance of business permits and licenses, as well as ensures and promotes ease of doing business,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian is the author of House Bill 3831, which was consolidated into the approved substitute bill.
BPLO officers shall take the lead in processing business permits, licenses and occupational permits, including the assessment of business taxes, fees and charges of the various businesses in the municipality or city.
Gatchalian said the measure will intensify efforts from both national and local governments to reduce red tape and expedite business and non-business transactions in government, resulting in a “more vibrant and thriving economic atmosphere conducive to growth and confidence.”
The committee also approved the substitute bill making the creation of HRMO officers mandatory in all local government units.
PBA party-list Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles, who authored HB 4296, said the absence of the HRMO officers has resulted in a highly politicized situation, wherein the accountability for human resources is lodged in the local chief executive.
Nograles said the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is in support of the measure.
Under the proposal, the HRMO shall be responsible for the formulation of a resource development plan that will enhance personal management processes in the local government; institutionalize central records of personnel development documents; and conduct continuing human resource development programs and other capacity building interventions to enhance the competency of officials and employees.
Gatchalian said the BPLO officer and the HRMO shall carry the rank and salary of a Department Head provided under the Local Government Code.
