Makati Mayor Abby Binay threatened to close internet cafe’s and computer shops that open to students during school hours or operate without a mayor’s permit.
Several internet cafe’s and computer shops have been closed since August and charges were filed against their operators.
Binay urged residents to report violators to her office through the city’s official Facebook account, MyMakati.
She cited the Republic of Gamers computer shop in Barangay Pio del Pilar that was closed down by the Business Permits Office in August.
Despite a closure order issued in February, the establishment continued to operate. The previous city administration did not enforce the order.
Charges have also been filed against the directors of Busko99 Corp. and its owner for violating the Revised Makati Revenue Code, City Ordinance 2002-122 and the Makati City Child and Youth Welfare Code or City Ordinance 2004-A-025.
Since July, the BPO has closed down 58 establishments including Ryukatel Internet Cafe in Barangay Poblacion, JPCS Ticketing Center & Jenel Photo Video and Computer Services in Barangay Bankal, and Lakbayan Hotel and Lakbayan Dormitory in Barangay Pinagkaisahan.
City Ordinance 2002-122 prohibits grade school and high school students from entering billiard halls, computer shops, movie houses and malls during school hours.
A Child and Youth Welfare Code provision prohibiting the operation of network gaming shops and other similar establishments within a 100 meters of an education or religious institution strengthened the 2002 ordinance.
The code also raised the fine from P1,000 to P2,000 or four months in jail for the first offense, P3,000 or a six-month imprisonment for the second offense, and P5,000, closure and confiscation of gaming and other equipment, as well imprisonment of not more than 12 months for the third offense.