BPLS Reform Program Guide - National Computer Center

2. Understanding BPLS
Reforms
2.1 WHAT IS BPLS STREAMLINING?
Streamlining the business permitting and licensing system (BPLS) means implementing
systematic and purposeful interventions to ease business start-up (e.g., simplifying registration
process by reducing the number of steps and procedures and reducing processing times and cost).
Streamlining can accelerate revenue mobilization, improve expenditure management, and
increase access to finance for better service delivery and growth promotion.
As shown in Figure 2-1, complying with the requirements of NGAs directly affects LGU
processes. Such requirements include approval of business name registration by the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) for single proprietorships, by the Securities and Exchange
Corporation (SEC) for corporations, and by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for
cooperatives. During the renewal period, applicants must also obtain certifications from social
security agencies. Streamlining must therefore happen at the national as well as the local level.
However, for the purposes of this paper, we will focus on local BPLS reforms.
Figure 2-1
Macro-View of BPLS Processes
NGA
DTI, SEC, CDA
Business name,
BIR registration
LGU
BPLO
Taxes,
Clearances,
Fees,
Mayor’s Permit
NGA
SSS, PHILHEALTH
Registration for
medical insurance
and social security