Business establishments in Davao City without an existing tourism license would be sanctioned in a proposed ordinance.
The 19th City Council, on Tuesday, February 18, approved on second reading an ordinance imposing penalties to establishments with business permits but no tourism licenses. These would also include those with late renewals and establishments, which are operating without business permits and tourism license.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, City Council committee chairperson on tourism, said the ordinance aims to ensure strict compliance on the standards and requirements provided in the Tourism Code of Davao City.
Dalodo-Ortiz said non-compliant establishments had affected the city’s tourism industry as the necessary fees will not be collected if they will not obtain a tourism license.
The councilor added the proposed ordinance would guarantee the safety of the tourists and locals since these individuals will know what services offered by the business establishments are legitimate.
“Daghan na na-monitor ang City Tourism and ang atong Business Bureau nga mga erring business establishment. But they cannot go after them unless naa himuon atong local government unit (The City Tourism Operations Office and the Business Bureau noted many erring business establishments. But they cannot go after them unless the local government unit would do something about it),” she said, adding the ordinance would “give teeth” in the enforcement of the city’s policy.
Dalodo-Ortiz said the proposed ordinance covers all tourism-related establishments, including resorts, hotels, and self-styled accomodation.
She said there are some establishments who have business permits to operate but they do not have tourism licenses while others have tourism licenses but do not have business permits.
Based on CTOO’s inventory, there are more than 2,000 tourism-related establishments. She said on the figure, there are some who do not have either a business permit or a tourism license.
“Importante nga kini sila naa sila’y tourism license since it is a specialized industry. There are certain standards they need to comply kaya need talaga sila magkaroon ng license (Having a tourism license is very important since it is a specialized industry. There are certain standards they need to comply that is why they need to secure a license to operate),” Dalodo-Ortiz said.
She said it would reflect in the system of both agencies, if these establishments had complied with the necessary city requirements.
In case the management failed to comply, she said specific penalty clause shall be imposed.
For establishments with business permits but without tourism licenses, a fine of P1,000 per month will be imposed. While establishments with late tourism license, a fine of P1,000 per month will be imposed. For establishments with no permits and licenses, a fine of P2,000 per month will be imposed.
Dalodo-Ortiz added that they may be suspended or have their licenses revoked, depending on the severity of their violation.
The councilor, however, clarified that the ordinance does not include if the establishment is Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited since it is a “local-claused” ordinance. Although she said they still need to secure a DOT permit since it is mandated by national law.
Meanwhile, the ordinance is expected to be passed on third and final reading Thursday, February 20. (RGL)