• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government said July 20 that it strictly adheres to due process in the ongoing crackdown on establishments operating without valid business permits.
City Legal officer, Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, issued the statement following a query from a lawyer, who questioned the padlocking of a client’s establishment after a supposed three-day warning.
Chiu said the city follows a multi-step procedure before enforcing any closure order.
The process begins with a first notice, which gives a concerned business owner an initial three days to begin processing the permit. If the owner fails to comply, the city issues a second notice that grants a 15-day extension to finalize their documents and secure the necessary clearances.
Should the establishment remain non-compliant after this extended grace period, the Business Permits and Licensing Office will then forward a closure referral to the City Legal Office.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said a closure order is not an outright decision; concerned businesses are given time to comply.
“There are businesses that comply with the renewal of permits, and there are those that are pending, and there are those that really haven’t secured any,” he said.
“As long as they can comply with the requirements, there will be no problems. We want to be fair regardless if it’s a big company or a small business establishment in Bacolod. It is mandated for them to get a permit,” Gasataya added, adding that his administration has been very consistent in the crackdown.
Chiu had said in a city press release that the ongoing initiative is “about leveling the playing field, ensuring that honest, tax-paying entrepreneurs who diligently comply with local laws do not have to face unfair competition from those who evade civic obligations.”
At least 20 commercial establishments around Brgy. Villamonte were closed down last week for operating without valid permits. | TMD
