Some 181 business establishments had been operating this year in Dumaguete without business permits.
This was disclosed by Task Force Dumaguete head Eddie Oira, after inspecting 573 businesses in the last few months.
The number of unregistered business establishments could be more, as many other businesses have yet to be inspected, Oira said.
Oira said they have informed the City Treasurer’s Office of their findings.
So far, the City has closed five establishments for operating without a business permit: Zanzibar RestoBar, Roselyn’s Diners, two stalls in the public market, and Lamias Tapokkan Bar & Restaurant. Lamias reopened a few days later in open defiance of the local ordinance.
“Basically, they are laughing at our faces,” lamented Councilor Alan Gel Cordova, referring to the business establishments that had been padlocked but which have reopened and continue to operate.
He enjoined the task force to do its job.
Oira, however, said they have done their part, and that they are only waiting for the City Legal Office to re-order them to padlock once again the establishments that continue to operate illegally. (PNA/JFP/JG)
