BACOLOD City – Nineteen business establishments in Bacolod City were ordered closed on Wednesday after they were found operating without the required business permits, as the city government intensified its campaign against establishments violating local licensing regulations.
The City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team implemented the closure orders on July 16 following recommendations from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), which found the establishments in violation of Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, Series of 2011, or the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City.
Executive Assistant Levy Pague, focal person of the CLO Enforcement Team, said the affected establishments failed to secure the necessary permits despite having been issued notices of violation prior to the enforcement of the closure orders.
The enforcement operation was carried out by the CLO in coordination with the BPLO and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD).
The team served closure orders to establishments, including a mall, located in the eastern portion of Barangay Villamonte.
Pague said the establishments continued operating despite lacking valid Mayor’s Permits, Business Permits, and other documents required for the lawful operation of a business.
The BPLO said due process was observed before the closures were enforced.
Business owners were initially issued notices of violation informing them of deficiencies in their permits. After receiving a second notice, they were directed to voluntarily suspend operations and comply with all permit requirements within 15 days while awaiting the issuance of the necessary permits.
However, the establishments reportedly failed to comply within the prescribed period, prompting the city government to implement the closure orders.
The BPLO warned business owners and operators against resuming operations without first securing the required permits, stressing that those who continue operating illegally may face additional administrative and legal sanctions.
The latest operation follows earlier enforcement actions against other non-compliant establishments as part of the city’s continuing campaign to ensure that all businesses comply with local laws and licensing requirements.
City officials said similar enforcement operations will continue in the coming days against other establishments found operating without the necessary permits./PN
