Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Balisong building bars reopened By Rimaliza Opiña
ESTABLISHMENTS at Balisong building padlocked last Wednesday by the Baguio City Treasurer's Office resumed operations during the weekend, to the dismay of barangay officials who pushed for their closure.
Out of the 11 establishments closed, 10 are located at Balisong building along Assumption Road. Kabayanihan barangay chief Michael Flores said owners of the establishments were issued an injunction by the court.
However, Flores said the establishments are not supposed to operate just yet because no bond has been paid. "This is contempt," he said, claiming no hearing was called by the court.
Unless the owners have paid a bond, Flores said the order should not be used as license to operate anew.
In the meantime, officials of the barangay will schedule a dialogue with city officials to echo their long-time sentiment for the permanent closure of these establishments.
Officials of the Saint Louis Center and parents of students enrolled there have long clamored for the closure of computer shops and bars at Assumption Road and adjacent Mabini Street allegedly because owners sell liquor and cigarettes to minors and entry in computer shops are allowed even during class hours.
These establishments are also reported as source of peace and order concerns of the barangay.
No barangay clearances are issued to these establishments but some are still issued business permits, school and barangay officials say.
In a compiled report by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) from 2002 to this year, crimes recorded to have occurred in the area include incidents of mauling and stabbing.
