26/07/2026
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧-𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚
The proposed ordinance requiring mandatory registration of compliant short-term rental accommodations in Baguio City has been approved on second reading by the Baguio City Council, following its favorable endorsement by the Committee on Market, Trade and Commerce, and Agriculture.
Authored by Councilor Yuri Weygan, the proposed ordinance requires mandatory registration of compliant short-term rental accommodations in Baguio City to ensure compliance with local regulation and promote transparency, fair competition, and sustainable tourism.
“Despite the existence of applicable national and local laws, enforcement remains difficult when unregistered units are publicly listed and transacted through digital platforms. This results in uneven compliance and limits the City's ability to effectively regulate tourism-related activities,” Weygan wrote in the ordinance.
The measure establishes a centralized Short-Term Rental (STR) Registry which will serve as the official database of all compliant rental units and the basis for issuing unique registration numbers. Only STR units included in the registry will be eligible for listing on online platforms excluding social media, with the list of registered units made publicly accessible through the Baguio VISITA website.
It adopts a strict “no registration, no listing” policy, prohibiting the advertisement or booking of any STR accommodation without a valid city-issued registration number. All listings must clearly display this registration number, which serves as proof of compliance with local requirements and ensures transparency for both platforms and consumers.
The measure also imposes duties on digital platforms and intermediaries operating within the city, requiring them to verify registration numbers before allowing listings, display such numbers in all advertisements, and promptly remove or deactivate non-compliant or unregistered units upon notice from the city government. Platforms are likewise directed to prevent re-listing of violators and to cooperate with local authorities in enforcement and information campaigns.
Enforcement will be carried out by the City Mayor’s Office through the Business Permits and Licensing Division, City Tourism Office, and other concerned departments which will be responsible for maintaining the registry, monitoring compliance, issuing notices, and ordering the delisting of violators.
Administrative penalties are also prescribed for violations, including fines, suspension of listing privileges, disqualification from registration, and possible investigation for permit and clearance compliance.
The ordinance provides for a six-month transition period dedicated to information and education campaigns before penalties are fully enforced, allowing STR operators and platforms time to comply with the registration requirements.
It also outlines penalties for unregistered listings, false or misleading registration information, and non-compliant platforms, with graduated fines and sanctions for repeated offenses.
The ordinance mandates coordination among city offices and stakeholders, including the City Tourism Office, Permits and Licensing Division, and online platforms, and requires compliance with data privacy laws in the collection and processing of personal and financial information related to STR registration and enforcement.
The proposal advances to stakeholder consultations and City Council deliberation. -Jordan G. Habbiling. -Jordan G. Habbiling
