Gov’t launches online business registry system

In a bid to fast track business registration in the country, the Philippine government has launched the Sole Proprietorship New Registration (SPNR) module of the Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS).

The Philippine Business Registry (PBR) is a government-initiated web-based system that will facilitate business registration-related transactions by integrating all agencies involved in business registration The SPNR allows registration to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Local Government Units (LGUs) and other permit/license-issuing agencies.

It provides a faster process for business registration, thus strengthening the government’s effort of providing quality service to the people and realizing its commitment to curb corruption and reduce red tape in the bureaucracy.

At present, sole proprietorships can already validate existing/register their Business Names (BNs) from the DTI, get or validate their existing Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) from the BIR and employer registration numbers from the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG through the PBRS.

The PBRS can be accessed via http://www.business.gov.ph .

DTI 11 Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said that this is milestone in business registration that entrepreneurs must take advantage of.

“Since this is a web-based system, this actually serves as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs who would like to register their business wherein they don’t need to visit these offices physically. Thus, business registration now costs less since transportation cost need not be considered anymore,” she said.

Loreto added that registration has also become convenient because it can be done anywhere there is internet access like internet cafés, DTI offices with designated PBR kiosks, or even right at their homes/offices.

However, application through a teller at the DTI offices is also available. This involves submission of a filled up application form which may be downloaded from the website or completed and printed by the public online for submission to the PBR kiosks or tellers.

For further inquiries about the PBRS, clients may call up the nearest DTI office in their areas. DTI Regional Office 11, in particular, can be reached at (082) 224-0511 local 417 or 206. (DTI11/JenMendoza)