ILOILO City – The failure of hotels and similar accommodation establishments to enforce quarantine protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will result in their closure, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“I follow a one-strike policy,” the mayor warned establishments allegedly dispensing alcoholic beverages and allowing private parties.
While not dropping names, Treñas reiterated that such activities were clear violations of his Executive Order (EO) No. 01-2021 which contains rules that Ilonggos must abide while the metro is under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
“I will not hesitate to close any hotel, inn or the like that allows private parties where drinking of alcoholic drinks and illegal drugs are used by the attendees,” Treñas said.
His EO 01-2021 set a cap on establishments’ operational capacity at 50 percent maximum.
The order likewise prohibited the public consumption of any form of alcoholic beverages or any alcoholic drinks containing a specific percentage of alcohol. It also banned the sale of liquor products beyond 6 p.m.
Establishments, convenience stores, groceries, sari-sari stores, and other similar businesses found violating the prohibitions whether directly or indirectly shall entitle the city government to mete out the appropriate penalties provided under the Iloilo Tax Code.
Individual violators, meanwhile, shall face the appropriate administrative and/or criminal charge.
Treñas’ warning came after the controversial death of flight attendant Christine Dacera; she was found dead in a hotel room in Makati City after a New Year’s Eve party.
Through a show-cause order, the Department of Tourism ordered the management of the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati to explain within three days why it should not be suspended for the possible violations for accepting guests for leisure purposes. (With PNA/PN)
