Business owners in Valenzuela no longer have to go to the city hall to renew their business permit or pay for the quarterly business tax now that the city government has its Online Business Permit Billing and Payment System (OBPBS)

To use the program, which is accessible at the city government’s web site, www.valenzuela.gov.ph, a taxpayer first need to create an account. Using the latest permit number or official receipt, the taxpayer can add multiple Business Account Numbers (BAN). An email will be sent to the user for the set of instructions how to log in. Once logged in, the user can then manage account details, view payment history, and save and print PDF copies of account statements.

Business accounts can also be renewed by filling out the renewal form. Taxpayers can do their quarterly payment online through their Bancnet debit cards.

Randy Sison, head of the local Information and Communication Technology Office, describes the OBPS as “a continuation of the local government’s innovations, expanding its online services [to include] business permit applicants.”

Valenzuela City has been automating many of its frontline services in recent years.

In 2013, it launched the 3S Plus Program, which seeks to automate revenue-generating services. It would offer online and mobile payment systems and credit card point-of-sale terminals for real property tax; an automated system for construction permits application; and an online system for police clearance application.

Mayor REX Gatchalian believes that minimizing human interaction in government transactions is one of the best ways to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and avert graft and corruption practices.