The Makati City government has padlocked a Chinese restaurant found defying a closure order for not complying with the city’s sanitation policy.
The food house—Tsing Tao Garden, located along Urban Avenue corner Gil Puyat Avenue in Pio del Pilar Village—was shackled by enforcers of the city’s Business Permit Office on Tuesday, the city’s public information office said.
The city government also ordered Raymund Tang, the owner and operator of the establishment, to pay a fine of P5,000 for continuing his operation despite the closure order served by the BPO on May 25.
During their routine inspection last month, BPO inspectors found out the restaurant was operating with a poorly maintained and unsanitary plumbing and drainage system and with no grease trap installed, which they said was a clear violation of the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
Late last year, the city government also ordered the closure of 58 business establishments after they were found operating without permits and violating the fire code.
City Business Permits officials said most of the establishments were found operating without Mayor’s Permit, in violation of Section 4A.01 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code, or City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025.
The closed establishments include computer shops, internet cafes, a hotel and a dormitory, restaurants, eateries or canteens, stores selling cellphones and accessories, bakeshops, carwash shops, watch repair shops, and several stalls selling assorted items.
The closure of the establishments came on the heels of the directive of Mayor Abigail Binay to the BPO, City Building Official, and other city offices to crack down on businesses operating illegally, in line with restoring order and discipline in the city.
“Securing a Mayor’s Permit is a basic requirement to be able to do business in the city. We will not tolerate such brazen disregard for the law. Business owners are enjoined to pay their tax obligations and comply with existing laws and ordinances. Otherwise, you can take your business elsewhere,” Binay said.
The Binay administration has taken a strict stance on the enforcement of the city revenue code and other related local and national laws to protect the interests of legitimate businesses that have underpinned the sustained economic growth of Makati.
Binay called on barangay captains to strictly monitor establishments within their jurisdiction and ensure their compliance with the revenue code and other laws and ordinances.