The Bacolod City government ordered the closure of six business establishments, including the lechon stall that was the subject of a complaint by former Bacolod councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan, on Friday, June 7.
A City Legal Office team served the closure orders on Acebuche Lechon and five adjacent “carinderías (eateries)” on a road lot at Burgos Extension, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. said.
They did not have business permits, he said.
Tan has filed criminal and administrative complaints against four Bacolod City government and two Bureau of Fire Protection officials before the Office of the Ombudsman (Visayas) for allowing a business establishment to illegally occupy a road.
Tan, in his complaint, said he is the registered owner of a 5-door townhouse at Burgos Extension.
He said although corner-lots are more expensive, he decided to spend additional amounts so his property would be bounded by two road lots.
Unfortunately, despite the additional expense in order to enjoy the advantage of the property having two frontages, he was deprived of the same since shanties were allowed to occupy the road, Tan added.
The shanties are being used for commercial purposes already, most notable of which is the Acebuche Lechon, with its imposing structure right at the middle of the road, Tan said.*