Businesses told: Install outside lights or get no biz permit

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City acting mayor Edgardo Labella has reminded commercial establishment owners of their obligation to ensure their surroundings are well-lighted or their business permits will not be renewed.

Labella issued the reminder to all businessmen operating in the city as they are expected to renew their permits this month.

According to Labella, it has been a policy of the city government to require business establishments to install exterior lighting system. The policy was anchored on the City Ordinance 2215.

“A random or unscheduled inspection shall be conducted by this office to all covered business establishments and shall impose the corresponding penalties to those found violating the ordinance,” Labella said.

The ordinance was approved on October 21, 2009 to ensure a well lighted business district during night time.

Labella notified all the business establishments that the ordinance imposes a “compulsory obligation” on their part.

“Considering that your business establishment is within the coverage of this ordinance, you are hereby requested to provide ample lighting that will render the brightness in your place of business, and to ensure a well-lighted environment during night time for public welfare, public safety and the promotion of tourist magnetism in the city,” Labella said in his letter.

Labella believes that exterior lighting system of the business establishments will serve as deterrent to crimes.

He said that aside from fines, establishments caught violating the policy will not have their business permits renewed. A revocation of permit will also be imposed on those violating for the third time.

 “No business permit and permit to operate shall be released, approved or renewed without first complying the provision of this ordinance. And any business permits thus issued shall be subject to a proceeding of the cancellation or revocation of the same if found violating for the third offense,” he said.

Labella said the city government will strictly implement the policy as part of its security measures during the Sinulog.

The acting mayor conducted yesterday his first conference with the special task force he purposely created to oversee the whole operations along the Sinulog carousel route.

The task force is composed of local officials, local disaster council, demolition team, peace and order units, barangay leaders, traffic enforcement, and engineering department.

Labella’s order was for the task force to free the carousel route from any obstructions such as dangling wires, sidewalk structures, and other impediments like people joining street parties.

Members of the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement team were directed to start clearing the sidewalk from obstructions as early as January 8.

Labella also directed Engineer Jose Marie Poblete, head of the city’s Technical Infrastructure Committee, to lead the power and communication utilities in cleaning up dangling wires that may be snagged by Sinulog props.

At least 11 holding centers will be deployed strategically along the parade route during the Grand Sinulog Parade on January 17. (FREEMAN)