The Quezon City government has rolled out a new risk-based system for processing business permits, a move officials say will shorten waiting times for most applicants while tightening oversight of businesses that pose greater risks to public safety and health.

Under Executive Order No. 38, Series of 2025, businesses are now categorized as low-, medium-, or high-risk depending on the nature of their operations and their potential impact on the community and the environment. 

The classification determines both how quickly permits are issued and how often establishments are inspected.

City officials said the change is meant to address long-standing complaints from entrepreneurs about delays, while ensuring that industries with higher risks receive closer scrutiny.

“For simple, low-risk businesses, we can now process permits much faster. For higher-risk activities, we make sure inspections and safeguards are more thorough,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Based on the new rules, applications for new businesses or changes in business activity will be processed within three working days for low-risk enterprises, seven working days for medium-risk, and up to 20 working days for high-risk businesses. Permit renewals, regardless of classification, are required to be completed within three working days, provided there are no violations or unresolved issues, in line with the Ease of Doing Business law.

The executive order also revises inspection schedules. Except for inspections mandated by law, most checks will now be conducted after a permit is issued. High-risk establishments will be inspected annually, medium-risk businesses once every two years, and low-risk businesses once every three years. 

For companies with multiple lines of business, the highest-risk activity will determine the processing timeline and inspection frequency.

Fire safety inspections will continue to be handled by the Bureau of Fire Protection–Quezon City Fire District, which will coordinate with city offices to avoid overlapping visits.

The city government said the system is expected to reduce red tape, speed up approvals for small and low-risk enterprises, and allow regulators to focus their resources on activities that require closer monitoring.