Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treṅas ordered the closure of nine bars and resto bars located inside the Lanai Grill Compound, Smallville Complex in the city’s Mandurriao district due to violation of COVID-19 health protocols.

According to Iloilo City Compliance Officer Nestor Canong, the establishments violated Executive Order Nos. 2021-137 and 137 which set guidelines on the Alert Level 2 status of the city and Regulation Ordinance 2007-016 or the “The Local Revenue Code of Iloilo City,” and other local ordinances.

Most of the erring establishments also do not have business permit to operate. Thus, Treṅas stressed that they must apply for a business permit first and comply with the health protocols before they could operate again while those with permits were given 10 days to make an appeal.

The compliance team also closed the leasing space of the Lanai as the lessor of the nine establishments.

Based on the findings of the compliance team and local enforcers, the establishments violated, among others, either of the following:

• no health card presented in violation of Regulation Ordinance No.2013-251
• without Safety Seal but exceeded the allowable maximum capacity in violation of Sections 7 and 8 of EO 137-2021 as amended by EO 137-A
• failure to present Mayor’s permit during inspection conducted on Nov. 27, 2021, a violation of Sections 240 and 243 of Local Tax Ordinance 2007-106
• Physical Distancing Ordinance of Iloilo City (Regulation Ordinance No. 2020-066), and
• Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-251 (Personnel without Health Cards), provisions on Allowable Capacities under EO 137 and EO 137-A.

“May this serve as a reminder for all that although we are allowing businesses to operate, they must also take responsibility for the non-compliance especially when lives are at stake,” said Trenas.

He said that the city opened its economy for the businesses to recover but it should be understood that the virus is still present.

“Let us be reminded that there are protocols set by the National IATF to ensure that while we work towards recovery, we also secure the safety of our customers,” the city mayor appealed. “As fellow humans, we must also think of the welfare of the community. We must remember that each of our action plays a role in our goal towards moving forward. Let us not wait for us to experience another surge and lockdown. Please, let us be responsible.” (Glenda Tayona)/WDJ

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