QC bans solicitation from business shops

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has barred employees of the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and other income-generating offices from conducting inspections of business establishments in the city to prevent solicitation during the holiday season.

Bautista said inspectors of the BPLO as well as revenue examiners are prohibited from conducting field inspections until Jan. 2, 2015.

BPLO chief Garry Domingo said the mayor’s directive includes the cancellation of all pending or unfinished letters of authority and letters of confirmation.

“The conduct of inspections may be permitted upon prior clearance from the mayor’s office on a case-to-case basis, and in the interest of public service,” the memorandum read.

Domingo said employees found violating the order would be slapped with administrative sanctions.

“Inspections of business establishments in the city are suspended during the Christmas season to prevent employees from soliciting gifts,” he said.

Domingo urged businessmen to report city hall personnel asking for Christmas gifts in the guise of conducting inspections for supposed violations.