Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the City Legal Office to call in business owners who received closure notices for operating without permits for dialogs.
Gasataya, in a press conference on Monday, Sept. 1, said that despite repeated reminders, several establishments failed to secure business permits, prompting the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the City Legal Office to serve closure orders.
“We want to be proactive, but there were recommendations from the BPLO,” Gasataya said. “The city government can help and assist them to be compliant.”
BPLO chief Stela Rose Rayos reported that six establishments were padlocked on Friday, Aug. 31, while 37 more were scheduled for closure this week.
The businesses shut down included a department store and a cake shop in Brgy. 15, a dressed chicken plant in Brgy. 31, a chicken restaurant and a salon in Brgy. 13, and a boarding house in Brgy. 17.
All were found in violation of Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, or the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City.
Gasataya said he has instructed City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu to meet with the affected owners, initially scheduled for Monay but postponed to Tuesday, Sept. 2, due to the suspension of classes and government work.
“If they have problems, let us know so we can help them comply with whatever permits or requirements they need,” the mayor said, adding that once businesses complete the requirements, their permits will be issued.*