The Makati City government on Wednesday warned business owners and operators who misrepresent their operations.
“Makati will exercise zero tolerance for these businesses. We are determined to protect the interests of legitimate businesses that keep our economy strong and stable,” stated Mayor Abigail Binay.
On Monday, acting on Mayor Binay’s directive, the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) served a closure order to Flying Future Services, Inc. for illegally conducting offshore gaming operations.
According to BPLO records, the business permit issued to this firm was intended for an Information Technology (IT) company.
The closure order also revoked the Mayor’s permit or business license issued to Flying Future Services, Inc., citing violations of Sections 4A.05, 4A.10, and 4A.15 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code (City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025).
Violators of the ordinance face penalties that include imprisonment of six months to one year or fines ranging from P5,000 to P50,000, or both, at the court’s discretion.
The city Legal Department is currently assessing additional cases to be filed against the company’s owners.
BPLO chief Maribert Pagente remarked that his office has successfully shut down several establishments in the city with the help of vigilant residents. He urged the public to continue reporting any establishments operating illegally.
“Over the past years, we have effectively apprehended errant establishments after receiving information from concerned citizens. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and promptly inform our office of any illegal operations within the city,” Pagente said.
Last year, the BPLO shut down a total of 118 establishments for various violations. From January to the present, 22 errant establishments have been closed.
Flying Future Services, Inc., located on the 21st Floor of Yuchengco Tower I in RCBC Plaza, was raided on Wednesday, March 19, by operatives from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Approximately 200 individuals from various nationalities were arrested during the raid.
The suspects are facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling), and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act). They are currently being held at the CIDG Southern District Field Unit, according to news reports.