More than 5,000 commercial establishments in malls in Bacolod City could be closed down for lack of fire inspection certificates and business permits.
The majority of the tenants at the 888 China Town Square Mall have been issued second notices of violation because of lack of business permits.
City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. said Friday, July 26, the Bureau of Fire Protection has also not given the mall a fire inspection certificate for failure to comply with the requirements of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
This has affected the mall tenants whose stores could be closed down, he said.
DIGICAST NEGROS tried to get the side of the mall management but they refused to comment on the matter.
The Permits and Licensing Division said several other malls in the city will also be issued similar notices of violation.
Permits and Licensing Division head Stella Rose Rayos said more than 5,000 business applicants were not able to avail of business permits from the city government.
Ting said a dialog between the mall management, BFP-Bacolod and the mayor is expected to be held to address the matter.*