BACOLOD City – There are ten business establishments operating in this city recommended for closure due to non-compliance to business permit requirements.
Stela Rose Rayos, head of the Permits and Licensing Division said that she has already forwarded for the closure to the City Legal Office (CLO) about ten establishments along Burgos Street.
They are now waiting for the CLO to act on her recommendation, she added.
These establishments were discovered by the Permits and Licensing Division with no business permit after they had conducted a random inspection recently.
Rayos said that several notices have already been served against the establishments but they have not yet acted on it.
Most of these establishments are photocopy and printing businesses.
Last week, two establishments were padlocked by the CLO.
E.S. Print, Media Inc. located in 6th Street, Barangay 7 for operating with a “fake permit” and Active Life Chicago Physical Therapy Clinic in Benigno S. Aquino Drive, Barangay Villamonte for operating with no business permit, Rayos said.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said establishments operating in this city with fake business permits should not only be closed, but could also face cases for falsification against their owners.
Distrito commended the CLO-Enforcement Unit, and the Permits and Licensing Division for implementing the closures which, he said, has been long overdue.
Those who are operating without business permits should be strictly required to secure one, he said.
Distrito said the law should be applied to all, because it would be unfair to law-abiding citizens and businessmen who pay taxes, comply with labor law requirements, secure business permits, and comply with the requirements of the city.
City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan is also urging business establishment owners to follow proper procedures, and not deal with fixers in processing their business permits. They should transact directly with the Permits and Licensing Office.
Bayatan said that, based on their investigation, it was found out that there are a number of business establishments that have been dealing with runners and fixers. But since the establishment owners have identified these fixers, they will help the city prosecute them.
Rayos said the E.S. Print, Media Inc. had paid the penalty of P5,000 because of their “fake business” permit and they are now in the process of properly renewing their license, while Active Life Chicago Physical Therapy Clinic has applied as a new applicant for business registration./PN
