ILOILO CITY – Business permit renewals in Iloilo City encountered delays due to internet connectivity problems caused by a telecommunication provider’s failure to comply with a city ordinance requiring underground cabling for electrical and telecommunication wires in selected areas.
The ordinance, enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in 2023, mandated public utility and telecommunication companies to complete underground cabling by December 31, 2024 as part of an infrastructure improvement project.
Starting January 2, the City Engineer’s Office dismantled non-compliant lines and poles, including those of major firm PLDT, which provides connectivity to Iloilo City Hall.
Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office head Velma Jane Lao said the renewal system for business permits was prepared but experienced interruptions due to the ongoing underground cabling along JM Basa Street.
“We have been ready since yesterday, the off-site and city hall, for the renewal of business permits. However, since yesterday, we experienced downtime because of the ongoing underground cabling along JM Basa,” Lao said in an interview on Friday.
Off-site centers also struggled to connect with city hall servers, leading to slower transactions.
Lao added that PLDT has committed to restore service promptly and appealed for patience during the disruption, which affects the processing of 15,000 to 18,000 business permits.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed frustration over PLDT’s failure to transfer its wires within the agreed timeframe.
“This unacceptable situation cannot be tolerated. PLDT has been given ample time to comply with the ordinance. Immediate action is needed to restore internet service to the city,” he said. (PNA)