40 Bacolod businesses face closure over permit violations

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Forty more businesses in this city may be shut down for operating without the required business permits, according to local officials.

Mayor Alfredo “Greg” Gasataya said Monday the city government is open to helping the establishments comply with regulations to avoid closure.

Over the weekend, the City Legal Office closed seven firms for operating without permits, following multiple prior notices.

“We want to be proactive,” Gasataya said during a press conference at his office in the Bacolod City Government Center.

He clarified that the closures were not abrupt, as the affected businesses had already received several warnings before enforcement.

Although cease-and-desist orders were issued, the City Legal Office was also directed to hold conferences with the businesses to understand the reasons for their non-compliance.

“Our Licenses and Permits Division has made its recommendations, but we want to understand why they are unable to comply and how the city can assist them,” Gasataya said.

He added that support will be provided through the City Legal Office or the City Administrator’s Office.

“We want them to know that the city will help them in their compliance. All they have to do is meet the requirements,” he said.

According to city records, 40 additional establishments are under review and may face similar action if they fail to secure the necessary permits.

On Friday, August 29, 2025, seven businesses were shut down by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), in coordination with the City Legal Office (CLO), for violations of city regulations.

The closures were part of a broader campaign targeting 43 establishments identified for non-compliance.

The firms ordered to close include a department store, a pastry shop, a salon, a dressed chicken processing plant, and a boarding house located in Barangays 31, 17, 15, and 13.

BPLO head Stela Rose Rayos said the businesses were found in violation of Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, or the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City.

She confirmed that notices had been issued before the closure orders were enforced.

“Upon issuance of the second Notice of Violation and Closure, firms must voluntarily suspend operations and comply with the requirements within 15 days, pending the issuance of the Mayor’s Permit,” Rayos explained.

She also warned business owners and representatives not to resume operations without proper permits or risk facing further sanctions.

The BPLO and CLO are scheduled to continue implementing closure orders next week.