By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the City Legal Office to hold dialogues with business owners served closure notices after failing to secure the necessary permits to operate.

The move comes after the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) reported that six establishments were padlocked on Friday, August 29, while 37 others are set for closure this week.

Among those shut down were a department store and a cake shop in Barangay 15, a dressed chicken plant in Barangay 31, a chicken restaurant and a salon in Barangay 13, and a boarding house in Barangay 17.

All were found violating Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, or the Revised Revenue Code.

Gasataya acknowledged that repeated reminders were issued to the businesses but emphasized the city’s willingness to assist them in becoming compliant.

“We want to be proactive, but there were recommendations from the BPLO,” he said during a press briefing on Monday, September 1.

“If they have problems, let us know so we can help them comply with whatever permits or requirements they need,” he added.

City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu has been tasked to meet with the affected business owners.

The meeting, initially set for Monday, was rescheduled yesterday due to the suspension of government work and classes.

Gasataya assured that once the establishments complete the required documents, the city will issue their permits and allow them to reopen./CJ, WDJ