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Sunday, May 21, 2006
Mayor warns owners of unlicensed boarding houses
By Victor L. Camion
MAYOR Agustin Perdices warned owners that the City Government would padlock their unlicensed boarding houses if they failed to get a permit to operate.
Perdices gave his warning as the city expects an influx of thousands of students from different parts of the country, particularly neighboring provinces, with the opening of classes for school year 2006-2007.
However, the City Government does not have an estimate of the number of all boarding houses in Dumaguete City or the exact number of violators.
But he admitted that a number of boarding houses had been continuing to operate without permit.
Perdices said some owners claim they are not operating boarding houses but only accommodating relatives.
"We would really find out the truth," said Perdices adding, "They seem to avoid paying taxes."
He explained the City Government needed the taxes, but more than that, it wanted to make sure that the boarders are safe.
Perdices said he also expected more foreign students to study in Dumaguete City's colleges and universities, many of whom might rent low-cost boarding houses.
The problem, he said, some of the cheaper boarding houses are dirty, cramped, and unsafe.
"There are those whose roofs are full of holes. Some are not being cleaned. And the worst there are those without fire exits," he stressed.
To get the permit, the owner must secure clearance from the city engineer's office and the fire department.
Both agencies will issue their respective clearances only after inspecting the boarding house and recommending measures to protect their lodgers.
"Whether they like it or not, they are responsible for the safety of their boarders. Like if there is a fire," said Perdices.
"Those boarding houses should be closed. We have a basis. They don't have their license," he added.
Perdices said the City Government is willing to give a moratorium to owners of unlicensed boarding houses.
He said he planned to meet them to discuss the moratorium on their permit to operate.
The mayor said he would recommend that within the moratorium period, owners of boarding houses and the City Government would agree for exemption provided that they upgrade their facilities.
Perdices said City Hall would monitor the boarding houses to make sure that the owners put in improvements to comply with the sanitary and building codes.
(May 20, 2006 issue)
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