Malay Moves To Simplify Business. Permit Requirements

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan — The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay has approved an ordinance seeking to simplify business permit requirements and streamline the processing of applications in the municipality.
The measure amends Municipal Ordinance No. 579, Series of 2025, and is intended to reduce unnecessary requirements and delays in securing business permits, particularly for entrepreneurs and investors in Malay and Boracay Island.
One of the major changes covers businesses operating on Boracay Island. Under the approved ordinance, DENR Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), Certificate of Compliance (COC), and similar requirements will no longer be prerequisites for the issuance of a business permit.
The change seeks to address concerns over additional processing burdens, particularly since some of these documents previously had to be secured through the concerned DENR office in Iloilo.
The ordinance also provides relief for small businesses. Enterprises with a capital investment of ₱100,000 or below will no longer be required to secure a Building Permit as part of the business permit requirements.
This is expected to help small entrepreneurs avoid additional expenses, including professional fees for building plans and related documents.
The measure also removes SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and other national government agency requirements from the Citizen’s Charter as prerequisites for securing a business permit.
The ordinance clarifies that compliance with these agencies will continue to be governed by applicable national laws and regulations, but such requirements will no longer unnecessarily delay the processing of business permits by the local government.
It will also establish clear processing timeframes to promote faster and more efficient business permit transactions.
The ordinance will take effect once signed by the Municipal Mayor and after compliance with the applicable requirements for its effectivity.
The Sangguniang Bayan said the measure is aimed at making it easier to do business in Malay, encouraging investments and creating more opportunities for residents to start and expand their enterprises.