Fake sanitary permits uncovered

CEBU, Philippines - Several business establishments in Cebu City have been found using fake sanitary permits allegedly issued by a syndicate composed of former city health personnel and other unscrupulous individuals.

City health officer Daisy Villa has alerted business owners in the city about the illegal activity and advised them to refrain from transacting with unauthorized city health personnel.

The sanitary permit is one of the requirements in the renewal of business permit. Villa said her sanitary inspectors found out that several business establishments applying for renewal of business permit are using fake sanitary permits.

The fake permits were signed by former city health officer Dr. Fe Cabugao who is no longer connected with the City Health Department.

“Nasakpan sa mga sanitary health inspectors nga fake ang permit kay dugay na tawon kaayo nga wala na sa city health si Dr. Cabugao apan ang permit gibutang nga giisyu sa petsa nga ako na ang city health officer,” Villa said.

The fake documents were confiscated and business owners were directed to secure a new permit.

Individual health certificates for employees of non-food establishments cost P10 each, but the applicants are required to submit results of chest X-Ray, laboratory examination, and (2 x 2) ID picture. For those working in food establishments, the cost is a little higher.

Sanitary permit fee for business establishments depends on the number of personnel. While the issuance of the permits for food establishments also depends on the results of the laboratory examination of their employees.

“Kun may makita mi’ng timailhan nga may sakit ang concerned worker sa food establishment amo g’yud na nga i-require og dugang laboratory examination kay kinahanglan nga protehian namo ang public,” Villa said.

Meanwhile, taxpayers are expected to troop to City Hall’s One Stop Shop at SM City Cebu today to pay their taxes to catch up with the deadline.

Tax payments after today will be charged with 25-percent penalty.

The One Stop Shop at SM City will stay until January 30. (FREEMAN)