COUNCILOR Henry Kipas expressed alarm after finding that majority of computer shops are operating without business permit in La Trinidad.
In the midst of tackling the proposed regulation of the operation of computer shop in La Trinidad, at least 70 percent of computer shops in the valley are without business permits after Computer Shop Owners Association president Joel Tingbaoen Jr. said only 30 percent have secured permit.
“This is very alarming because majority has no business permit. This has to stop so parents will stop complaining,” added Kipas.
Kipas has also asked the town’s licensing office to confirm and act on the matter.
“When we conducted rounds to make a letter, according to the records of the municipality, there are more than 300 registered computer shop but according to our rounds, only 30 percent have permits,” Tingbaoen said during the fifth public consultation July 11.
La Trinidad Business Permit Licensing Office is set to continue inspecting all computer rental shops without permits in Benguet’s capital town.
Licensing officer Myrna Bagano explained their team are still conducting validation of all the business establishments in the 16 barangays of the municipality without permits. They have completed eight barangays where a total of 320 computer shops have secured permit.
Bagano also asked the computer shop owner group to disclose and give the list of the computer shops that do not have permits.
“They will be charged which is also happening to other businesses not complying,” she added.
Earlier, parents have asked for the support of the computer shop owners and operators claiming they don’t hold any indifference among the business sector however, they asked for their cooperation in order to abate addiction on computer gaming and internet use, most especially among minors.
Proponent of the ordinance Councilor Roderick Awingan said the proposed measure indicates several regulatory provisions which include the entry of minors in the establishments.