Closure order to affect investors’ confidence

CEBU, Philippines - Business owners particularly of financial firms should be allowed to decide whether or not to have security guards in their establishments, a bank executive said.

While business owners are aware that deploying security personnel is one productive move, Maximo Eleccion, Cebu Bankers Club vice president, said they should not be forced to employ guards.

"Requiring them to put up security guards would put business operations at a loss because we need to consider (their financial capability)," Eleccion said in an interview.

The city government of Cebu recently ordered for a temporary closure of Cebu LBC branches because of the money forwarding company's failure to have security guards.

A recent report here said the Cebu City Legal Office has decided to include in the closure order all other financial businesses such as banks and lending companies.

The bank official said: "Well, the city is also looking at the welfare of the people - the objective is good for the public as whole - but maybe the decision can be confiscatory on the part of business owners."

People in the business sector generally know the risks and needs of their operations, added Eleccion, who chairs the club's security committee.

The CBC official also warned the move may possibly affect the confidence of businessmen here.

In a recent interview, Lawyer Jonathan Capanas, who is a consultant on good governance, stressed the government particularly the police also have the responsibility to secure business establishments in the community.

"Unsa gyod diay ning mo-invest ka sa Philippines, kinahanglan gyod diay og security guards?" he asked, adding the government's move may eventually impact other businesses.

The lawyer said businesses can still operate even without security personnel -- that, if the police would ensure safety in the community.

Police visibility in various business places would decrease the possibility of robbery cases and other money-related crimes.

Eleccion also stressed deploying of guards is not the only security solution, but also urging the police to increase police visibility in key areas.

Despite the recent robberies involving LBC stores, he believes Cebu is still relatively safe for businesses compared to other cities in the country.

But, Cebu's investor-friendly environment has to be sustained, he further said.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has urged the City Council to make an ordinance that will require businesses to station security guards in their stores. — Carlo S. Lorenciana (FREEMAN)