CEBU, Philippines - Nine business establishments located in front the Land Transportation Office (LTO) at J. M. Ceniza Street in barangay Looc, Mandaue City were ordered closed by the city government for violating the revenue code of the city.
These establishments have been operating on a government lot which has delayed in the implementation of a drainage project in the area.
City Legal officer Giovanni Tianero in an interview said the establishments were ordered close after it was found out that some of them had not secured business permits thereby depriving the government of taxes.
Some of them had secured permits, paid taxes but failed to secure a certification of ownership of property or a certification from a land-owner confirming that the owner consents to the use of his property.
The establishments include Progressive Health Drug Testing Center, CRL Insurance Services, establishments owned by Cirila Escario, Bernie Angara, Eddie Gestopa, Lyn Gestopa, Nimfa Ouano, Imelda Dungog, and Security Pacific Insurance.
Tianero said the city is certain that these establishments cannot show proof because the lot belongs to the city government.
He said the establishments have a month to vacate or else these will be demolished.
"Karon tinud-on na nato sila as we have given them enough chance to vacate," Tianero said. - THE FREEMAN