By Neska Centina

The Supreme Court Third Division ruled in favor of the Bacolod City government regarding the 2007 closure of a bingo hall operated by Phuture Visions Company, Inc.

According to the court decision, the city government “acted lawfully” in its closure of the business establishment, on the grounds the firm was operating without a business permit.

The case elevated to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the bingo operator, claiming the city government was liable for damages for the closure of the establishment.

According to City Legal Officer, Atty. Joselito Bayatan, there were “inconsistencies” in the appeal, which compelled them to take the case to the Supreme Court.

In January 2007, Phuture Visions applied for a business permit renewal, however, the city government contends the company continued operations without waiting for the permit’s release.

Bayatan called the decision a “complete victory.”/NC, WDJ