The Tourism Office and the Business Bureau Office are targeting to regulate the online travel agencies.
Marissa Torentera, officer in charge of the Business Bureau, said during the iSpeak forum yesterday that online businesses should also register their operations with the city to avoid legal issues.
She said they are constantly monitoring these activities, which are advertised on social media platforms like Facebook. These businesses should issue receipts for each cash transactions and document the payment process.
The two agencies are closely coordinating to locate illegal online businesses, which only disclose their address and contact numbers. Those found to be illegally operating will face a fine as a case will be filed against them by the City Legal Office for violating the Revenue Code.
Meanwhile, the city government established the BOSS information desk where clients can ask for assistance on securing a business permit, how to pay taxes, and getting the required documents for setting up a business. The BOSS is an acronym for business one-stop shop.
The business one-stop shop is located in the Sanggunian Panlungsod lobby, near the office of the Business Bureau. (Brendan Luspo and Maida Isabel L. Saez/UM Interns)
