Makati cracks whip on erring businesses

Determined to maintain its name and reputation as the country’s business and financial capital, the city government of Makati is now implementing a crackdown on businesses illegally operating in the city.

For the first two months of 2006 alone, 52 different business establishments were sent closure orders for violationg existing city ordinances and national laws.

Records from the City Administrator’s Office (CAO) said most of the establishments ordered closed were found to be operating without a mayor’s permit in violation of City Ordinance 2004-A-025.

The second most violated law is the Sanitation and Plumbing Code of the Philippines which is supposed to keep business places clean and with sufficient and safe water supply.

Other business enterprises that were sent closure orders had committed multiple violations of the same laws or other applicable ordinances.

Mayor Jejomar Binay, quoting a report from the CAO, however, announced that 20 have already complied with the requirements given by the local government and the closure orders for these businesses have already been lifted.

City Administrator Nicanor Santiago Jr. assured that inspections are conducted everyday by different departments of the city government, including the Departments of Engineering and Public Works, Health, the Makati Fire Department, and the Office of the Building Official.

He identified those with multiple violations of existing laws as Aling Maring’s Junkshop in San Isidro and the Khokz KTV & Restaurant in Pio del Pilar.

Santiago warned that if these establishments do not comply with the requirements, they will be ordered permanently closed. — Michael Punongbayan