Accreditation Office

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Accreditation and why is it necessary?

This is the registration of an entity with the SBMA, which recognizes and allows the said entity to legally do business within Subic Bay Freeport (SBF).  Only accredited entities are permitted to do business within the zone.

2. What is the difference between an Accreditation, a Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) and a Permit to Operate (PTO) or Registration Certificate (RC)?

An Accreditation Certificate is issued to an entity, which is located or has its business address outside SBF but offers its services and does business inside the free port zone.

CRTEs are issued to companies located inside SBF with an investment therein and enjoying certain tax privileges.

PTOs (now called RCs) are issued to entities located inside the Freeport that have sublease agreements with the CRTE holder.

3. What are the requirements for an Accreditation?

Aside from being a duly registered entity, basic requirements are necessary including permits and licenses for special activities. A list of requirements are available at the SBMA website or at the Accreditation Office at the 2/F, Regulatory Bldg. Labitan St. corner Rizal Highway, SBFZ.

4. What is the procedure for applying for an accreditation?

Proponents are requested to submit a Letter of Intent, their Company Profile and Company Table of Organization. They will be scheduled for an interview/briefing and will be required to submit the complete set of necessary documents for the approval of their accreditation.

5. Why is an interview necessary?

The interview, which also serves as a briefing, is an opportunity for the proponent to explain and make known the services he or his company offers, to ask any questions he may have about the accreditation process, and be clarified about SBMA procedures. The proponent is also informed about the rules and regulations pertinent to his activity, and any fines and penalties attached to probable violations, so that he would be well-informed and confident about his entry into the SBF’s business environment.

6. Why must it be the top official or proprietor who is interviewed and not just a representative of the company?

It is important that a member of the top management of the applicant-company, rather than a representative, is interviewed, as decisions such as those involving a more efficient flow of the intended business, may have to be made during the briefing, which a mere company representative may not have the authority to make.  It would also be to the advantage of the company’s top management that has a serious intent in the company’s well-being to be familiar with SBMA Rules and Regulations, and the overall responsibilities of its company in its operations within SBFZ. 

In the case of a single proprietorship, its proprietor must represent the company at the interview/briefing.

7. When is the interview scheduled?

The proponent first submits its Letter of Intent, and Company Profile and Table of Organization.   Interviews are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but a specific time on these days is arranged according to the proponent’s convenience.

8. How long does it take before one is issued an accreditation?

It will depend on how long it takes for the proponent to put together the required documents. After the interview/briefing, the process begins upon submission of the complete set of requirements.  As a rule, on the assumption that all documents are correct, the evaluation process is complete within 7-10 days.

9. Where do we follow up the status of our application?
Follow-ups are not necessary since the proponent is called once the process is completed. Should he find it necessary to inquire about the status of his application, a call to the Accreditation Office at (6347) 252-4088 will inform him at which stage of the evaluation his application is at that time.

10. Is an accreditation a one-time transaction?

An accreditation is valid for one (1) full year during which an entity is permitted to provide service to the locators and residents within the Subic Bay Free Port.

11. Is an accreditation renewable? If so, are the requirements the same as new application?

 An accreditation is renewable. Since late renewals are subject to the imposition of fines and penalties, it is strongly recommended that the renewal process be started two (2) months before the actual expiry date of the accreditation certificate to avoid any unforeseen delays.

The requirements for renewals, which differ from new applications, are available at the SBMA website or from the Accreditation Office at the 2/F, Regulatory Bldg., Labitan Street corner Rizal Highway, SBFZ.

12. Do you issue Temporary Permits for on-process applications?

Temporary Permits are not issued. An entity is expected to secure an Accreditation Certificate prior to transacting any business with SBMA locators and/or residents.

13. When do we pay for the Accreditation Certificate?

After the interview/briefing and upon submission of the application, an Accreditation Fee of USD200 is paid upon release of an approved Accreditation Certificate for a particular activity.  Payments made are non-refundable.

14. What is the benefit or advantage of an Accreditation?

An Accreditation, which legally recognizes an entity to do business within the Freeport, gives the accredited entity an edge at bids and a better chance at being awarded projects.  The entity also avoids penalties for doing business without an accreditation and getting his clients penalized as well, for hiring the said entity.

15. Can I have someone else do business in my name using my accreditation?

The Accreditation Certificate is strictly non-transferable. The practice of “Royalty”, or the lending or renting out of one’s accreditation, is considered a “misrepresentation” in the conduct of business and a major violation in the Regulatory Group’s system of fines and penalties.

16. Is there a sanction for non-accredited companies operating within the SBFZ?

Non-Accredited entities cited for the violation of doing business without accreditation are committing a major violation and are subject to the fine and penalty of USD400. They also subject their client, who hired them, to the same major violation, but with a higher penalty of USD500.

17. As an accredited company in the SBFZ, can I report those non-accredited companies that persist in transacting business illegally in the same zone?

Accredited entities have the right to report activities of illegal businesses which are, in reality, usurping project from them. The SBMA is committed to protecting entities that follow or comply with SBFZ’s rules and regulations, and obtain permits to maintain their legal standing.

18. If a project has been awarded to us, can we get a Temporary Gate Pass while we are still in the process of complying with the requirements for accreditation?

Before an entity can operate within the Freeport, it must first secure an Accreditation Certificate. A valid Gate pass will only be issued upon presentation to the Pass and ID Office of an approved Accreditation Certificate.

19. Can we get an endorsement or Letter of Intent to hire from companies we know, even if we don’t have intended projects with them, just for the purpose  of complying with the requirement ?

This act, which evidences intent to deceive, will be revealed in the verification and evaluation of the application and will not prove advantageous to the applicant.

20 . Is an accredited companies allowed to have an office within the Free FPZ?

An accreditation is issued to companies that are located outside SBF so that they can legally provide services inside the zone.   Companies that have an office or are located inside the free port must secure a PTO or an RC.