Quezon city: The Quezon City government has adopted a risk-based business permit processing system to cut red tape and speed up approvals for low-risk enterprises, enhancing efficiency and the delivery of services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that under the new process, businesses are classified as low-risk, medium-risk, or high-risk based on the nature of their operations and their potential impact on public safety, health, and the environment. This risk classification now serves as the primary basis for determining the speed of business permit processing and the scheduling of inspections. This approach allows the city government to expedite processes for simpler, low-risk businesses while dedicating more attention to higher-risk activities.

The new risk classification system, introduced through Executive Order 38, series of 2025, aims to streamline requirements and expedite permit processing for low-risk businesses, while enhancing oversight for high-risk enterprises. Applications for new businesses and changes in business lines will be processed within three working days for low-risk establishments, seven working days for medium-risk businesses, and up to 20 working days for high-risk businesses.

Business permit renewals, irrespective of risk level, will continue to be processed within three working days, as mandated by Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, provided there are no violations or pending issues. The system also determines the manner and frequency of inspections.

The Quezon City government noted that, apart from inspections required by law such as those for the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, most inspections will now occur after the permit has been issued. High-risk businesses will undergo annual inspections, medium-risk businesses every two years, and low-risk businesses once every three years. For establishments with multiple lines of business, the processing time and inspection requirements will be based on the highest-risk activity declared.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District (BFP-QCFD) will continue to issue Fire Safety Inspection Certificates and conduct fire safety inspections, in coordination with city offices, to avoid duplicate visits.