BUSINESS establishments in Mandaue City that refuse to comply with the city’s measures to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) could lose their permits.
Lawyer John Eddu Ibañez, executive secretary to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, said that after the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced the postponement of all road clearing operations, they pulled out personnel from the Mandaue City Legal Enforcement Unit (MCLEU) and assigned them to check the preventive measures being implemented by the establishments.
He added that the MCLEU is also tasked to disseminate information on sanitation, social distancing, curfew and other provisions stated in Cortes’ Executive Order (EO) 65.
The executive order emphasized, among others, the early closure of business establishments, strict implementation of social distancing and the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. city-wide curfew.
Ibañez said they use a checklist to review if the establishments are enforcing measures to fight Covid-19.
Emphasizing the need for social distancing in establishments, especially in restaurants, food outlets and carenderias, he said customers must maintain a 1.5-meter distance from one another.
The establishments should also implement measures of proper hygiene and sanitation.
“If na’ay mu-violate, amo silang tagaan og notice of violation sa executive order (If they violate the order, we will give them a notice of violation),” Ibañez said.
According to Ibañez, the mayor will not hesitate to impose sanctions on violators, such as filing administrative charges and revocation of business permits.
Aside from the MCLEU, Ibañez said they also tasked the Business Permit Licensing Office and the inspection team of the City Treasurer’s Office to assist in checking the establishments.
The MCLEU also visited public utility jeepney terminals and some convenience stores to make sure social distancing is practiced. (KFD)