ILOILO City – Due to alleged violation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols, nine business establishments at the Lanai Grill Compound at the Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district were shut by Mayor Jerry Treñas.
According to Compliance Officer Nestor Canong, the establishments violated executive orders (EOs) 2021-137 and 137 which set the guidelines on the Alert Level 2 status of the city and Regulation Ordinance 2007-016, or the “The Local Revenue Code of Iloilo City”, among other ordinances.
Most of the erring establishments did not have business permits to operate.
Treṅas stressed they must apply for a business permit first and comply with the health protocols before they could operate again. Those with permits, meanwhile, were given 10 days to appeal.
The compliance team also closed the leasing space of Lanai as lessor of the nine establishments namely Naknampata Food Store, Blackout, Boyet’s Grill, Baskugan Refreshment Kiosk, Bagang, Seafood Trip Avenue, Nikito Pizzeria, Balay Kalan-an, and Drop Off Point Resto Bar.
Based on the findings of the compliance team and local enforcers, here are some of the violations of the said establishments:
* without Safety Seal but exceeded the allowable maximum capacity in violation of Section 7 and 8 of EO 137-2021 as amended by EO 137-A.
* Sections 240 and 243 of Local Tax Ordinance 2007-106 or failure to present a Mayor’s permit during inspection conducted on Nov. 27, 2021
* Regulation Ordinance No. 2020-066 (Physical Distancing Ordinance of Iloilo City)
* Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-251 (Personnel without Health Cards), provisions on allowable capacities under EO 137 and EO 137-A.
Treñas also issued a “show cause” notice against the management of MO2 Resto Bar and MO2 Ice and The Cave Superclub and Music Hall, also at Smallville, for alleged violation of social distancing protocols and overcrowding.
“May this serve as a reminder to all. Although we are allowing businesses to operate, they must also take responsibility for their non-compliance,” said Treñas.
He added that warnings were sent to non-compliant establishments and those unable to follow these were forced to close.
“Let us not wait to experience another surge (in COVID-19 cases) and lockdown,” Treñas added./PN
