The Bacolod City Government, under the directive of Mayor Greg Gasataya, has initiated a crackdown on commercial establishments operating without proper permits.

The campaign aims to ensure a fair economic environment for all law-abiding business owners, sending a clear message that local regulations apply to all enterprises, regardless of prominence and scale of operations. “This ongoing initiative is fundamentally about leveling the playing field, ensuring that honest, tax-paying entrepreneurs who diligently comply with local laws do not have to face unfair competition from those who evade civic obligations,” said Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, City Legal Officer.

Last July 16, a joint task force comprising the City Legal Office (CLO), the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) began serving closure orders to 50 identified delinquent businesses across the city.

This enforcement follows a generous grace period, as prior notices to comply were initially issued to establishments beginning May 29. Business owners were given a month and a half to process their documentation before any closures were executed under Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, series of 2011, also known as the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City.

During the first day of deployment, two dedicated inspection teams enforced closures on 19 establishments and retail stalls primarily located inside a major mall in the Upper East Area and around the Villa Angela East Block and Marketplace.

The task force also shut down a well-known grocery store and a major home improvement variety retailer in the area for lacking the necessary permits. The crackdown continued today, Friday, July 17, with the task force shutting down a popular restobar situated along B.S. Aquino Drive. According to the task force’s report, the establishment was forced to close after operating without proper legal permits, despite having previously received two consecutive notices to process their documents.

While the city is strictly enforcing regulations, it is also extending a helping hand to entrepreneurs who wish to formalize their operations. To streamline compliance, Mayor Gasataya recently issued Executive Order No. 81, establishing the Bacolod Business Investment Assistance Desk.

This dedicated desk is tasked primarily with assisting business owners and investors with matters concerning business permits, occupancy permits, zoning requirements, and other local regulations. As a result of these supportive measures and open communication, the city has already noted positive compliance from several affected businesses.

The CLO allowed nine previously closed establishments to reopen today after their owners signed a formal Undertaking. “These businesses have been granted a 15-day grace period to resume retail operations while they finalize the processing of their respective permits with the help of the newly established assistance desk”, Chiu added. The CLO and BPLO are set to continue their operations in the coming days to serve the remaining closure orders.

The city government urges all unregistered business operators to immediately formalize their operations and settle their obligations Bacolod City Government Center. While strict legal actions and closures will continue for violators, the city stands ready to actively assist any entrepreneur willing to comply.