17 Bacolod Establishments Shut Down

The crackdown on businesses operating without proper permits continues in Bacolod, with 17 establishments already shut down by the City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team and the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO).

The joint operations resulted in the closure Tursday of businesses including an internet café and gaming station found to be frequented by minors, as well as cellphone repair shops, grocery stores, a restaurant, an RTW shop, and a salon in Barangay 21.

This is in addition to the closure of six other establishments the previous Friday for similar permit violations.

Mayor Greg Gasataya has instructed the CLO to engage in dialogues with business owners to facilitate their compliance with city regulations.

“They should not worry about the problems in the past, including the allegations of collections that never reached government coffers. I assure them that we will not tolerate such practices to continue. If they are facing problems that prevent them from securing permits, they should coordinate with us and we’ll act on it,” the mayor said, assuring assistance from the city government.

Following the Mayor’s directive, three businesses, including two department stores and an eatery, were permitted to reopen on Wednesday afternoon after complying with the necessary requirements.

City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu noted that the city’s digitalization efforts are streamlining the permit process, making it “more seamless, transparent, and secure.” Chiu added, “We would know more how to be able to help them, make processing faster, of course with no shortcuts to the guidelines required by law.”

BPLO head Stela Rose Rayos reported that 43 businesses have been recommended for closure due to permit deficiencies, with over 100 additional establishments found operating without permits during a recent inspection, leading to further violation notices.* (W/ Bacolod City Communications Office text & photos)