Malay LGU closes 20 establishments sans business permits

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Since June, at least 20 establishments were closed after they were found operating without valid business permits in Boracay Island.

The municipal government of Malay shut down the establishments for failure to secure the necessary permits in violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 279 series of 2009 before starting their businesses, said Executive Assistant IV Rowen Aguirre.

                                                   PHOTO LGUMALAY

The closure orders issued by Malay mayor Ceciron Cawaling were carried out by the business licensing office in cooperation with Malay municipal auxiliary police and Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) to protect the interest of legitimate businesses in Boracay Island.

The enforcers also put up "No Business Permit, No Operation" tarpaulins and yellow line tape in front of the business establishments. 

Prior to enforcement, the ‘violators’ were given three consecutive notices to comply the requirements for the issuances of licenses and permits. 

These establishments included tattoo shops, pizza shops, RTW shops and eatery stores in Barangay Balabag were also had no building or sanitary permits, zoning clearance, fire safety inspection certificate, set-back problems, among others. 

Aguirre said the auxiliary police will closely monitor these establishments if they will continue to operate without permits. 

“Mga early June tayo nag-start sa closure order implementation. Pag walang permit, hindi sila maaaring mag-operate. Kahit may notices na tayo,  hindi sila nag-comply sa mga requirements sa munisipyo,” he said.

On June 22, owners of errant business establishments were advised to strictly follow the requirements and pay their tax obligations or the local government will continue to close their establishments.

Aguirre said the closure order implementation will be made in regular basis until all business establishments in Boracay Island without permits are closed. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.