At least 40 commercial establishments were issued notices of violation for operating without the required permits during a joint inspection conducted along Lopez Jaena Street in Bacolod City on Tuesday, April 21.
The operation was led by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), together with the City Legal Office Enforcement Team and the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department.
Violators were given three days to comply with the requirements and secure the necessary permits, as mandated under City Ordinance No. 565 in 2011, also known as the Revised Revenue Code.
BPLO head Stela Rose Rayos emphasized that the city government will strictly enforce legal procedures against non-compliant establishments.
“If no action is taken within three days, a second notice for voluntary closure will be issued until such time that permits are finalized,” Rayos said.
“They will be given an additional 15 days to comply. Otherwise, their cases will be endorsed to the City Legal Office for formal closure, subject to the implementation timeline,” she added.
In addition to permit violations, authorities warned several businesses, including furniture shops and fruit and vegetable vendors, to clear obstructions from sidewalks and roadways to help maintain public order and ensure a fair business environment.
The inspection highlighted key areas of concern, particularly furniture shops along Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay 27 that have encroached on public sidewalks and road rights-of-way.
Similar violations were observed among fruit and vegetable stalls at Libertad Market in Barangay 40.
The initiative forms part of the city government’s ongoing efforts to enforce regulations, promote order, and ensure that all businesses contribute fairly to local development.
As of March 31, BPLO records show a total of 22,500 registered business applicants.
Mayor Greg Gasataya urged business owners to proactively update their records, noting that the city continues to streamline its licensing processes to better assist applicants./WDJ