Makati City Mayor Abby Binay
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Makati City Mayor Abby Binay on Wednesday warned that of stiff penalties will be imposed on business establishments in the city that misrepresent the nature of their operations.
鈥淢akati will exercise zero tolerance for these businesses. We are determined to protect the interest of legitimate businesses that keep our economy strong and stable,鈥澛� Binay said.
The mayor issued the warning as the Makati Business Permit聽 and Licensing Office (BPLO) on Monday served a closure order on Flying Future Services, Inc. for illegally conducting offshore gaming operations.
BPLO records show that the business permit issued to the said firm was for an Information Technology (IT) company.
The closure order also effectively revoked the Mayor鈥檚 permit or business license issued to Flying Future Services, Inc., citing violation of Sections 4A.05, 4A.10 and 4A.15 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code or City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025.
Violators of the ordinance face imprisonment of six months to one year or a fine of P5,000 to P50,000, or both at the court鈥檚 discretion.
The city鈥檚 Legal Department is determining other cases to be filed by the city government against the owners of the company.
The company was raided last Wednesday, March 19, by operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG).
Around 200 individuals of different nationalities were arrested during the raid.聽聽
The suspects face charges of violations of Republic Act (RA) 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling), and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
BPLO chief Maribert Pagente said his office has been able to shut down a number of business establishments in the city with the help of concerned citizens.
鈥淲e have successfully apprehended errant establishments over the past years after acting on information relayed by concerned citizens. We urge the public to remain vigilant and promptly inform our office of any establishment operating illegally in the city,鈥� Pagente said.
Last year, BPLO shut down a total of 118 establishments for various violations.
From January to present, 22 errant establishments have been closed down.