Despite having business permit, Vic Enterprises remains closed

NOW that it has a business permit, nothing is stopping Vic Enterprises from operating.

The Cebu City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) confirmed that Vic Enterprises was issued a permit last March, during the administration of then mayor Tomas Osmeña, who had ordered it and 12 other establishments closed for various lapses.

Jared Limquiaco, BPLO officer-in-charge, said this was based on the records turned over to them by the previous administration.

He said the permits of the firm’s other warehouses are also being processed.

“Their old applications were already approved. Those were already released,” he said.

Mayor Edgardo Labella warned, however, that if sanitation and traffic problems arise as a result of Vic Enterprises’ re-opening, he

will not hesitate to take action.

Labella said what is important is for Vic Enterprises and any other business establishment to comply with requirements and follow the city’s laws and ordinances.

“My duty as (mayor) is to protect the interests of the people in Cebu City,” said Labella through a phone interview with SunStar Cebu.

Another establishment that was ordered shut down during Osmeña’s time was Jerome’s Pawnshop.

SunStar Cebu has seen some of its branches back in business.

However, Limquiaco said they did not receive any communication from Jerome’s Pawnshop, adding that all of its documents were forwarded to the City Legal Office.

“They did not write us an endorsement letter to the mayor. So if they are operating and they have not settled their case yet, that is a violation of the closure order,” he said.

He said the City Legal Office will deal with Jerome’s Pawnshop if the latter committed a violation.

Meanwhile, Limquiaco said they are in talks with Rico’s Lechon, which approached the office earlier this week.

Limquiaco said he advised the liaison officer of Rico’s Lechon to write an endorsement letter to the mayor through the BPLO and to comply with regulatory fees and taxes.

“They (Rico’s Lechon) are willing to settle all their previous liabilities. So we require them to pay all the regulatory fees. Whether temporary permits or not, they have to pay regulatory fees,” he said.

He also advised Rico’s Lechon to apply for new business permits, as well as to comply with health and sanitation requirements.

Limquiaco said only the mayor has the power to lift the closure order.

Labella, on the other hand, vowed that no business establishment would receive special treatment under his administration.

Osmeña ordered the closure of Vic Enterprises after residents complained that its warehouse caused traffic and sanitary problems in the area. Jerome’s Pawnshop was closed due to lack of requirements, while Rico’s Lechon was closed due to failure to pay taxes. (JJL)

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