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UNFAIR COMPETITION
Law-abiding nightclub operators, GROs close ranks vs 'colorum' KTVs

By Florence F. Hibionada

A unified battle has now been launched against unlicensed and unsanitary karaoke bars that have mushroomed throughout the city.

With the move pushed by the Metro Iloilo Association of Entertainment Establishments (MIASSES), the group which is composed of duly licensed and “law-abiding” nightclub workers linked up its efforts with the city government and city police.

In a meeting, MIASSES president Rex Donasco of Ceasar’s Court led the association in a resolution passed that called for the city’s action against the continued proliferation of KTVs and similar joints minus the compliance of government-prescribed regulations.

For instance, Donasco pointed out, over ten establishments with women receptionists and waitresses has since operated by the Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao area. The women workers, the group gathered, also act as guest relation officers or GROs and even worse, are known to be for ‘take out.’

As long been prescribed, regular medical check-ups are required on those involved in the nightspot industry. Non-compliance result to raids and police operations alongside the charges filed against the establishment operators. It is also common knowledge, the MIASSES averred, that the new KTVs and a number of nightspots are operating minus business permits.

Rose Poral, of the city government’s Task Force Adams Apple acknowledged the lingering problem even as she enjoined the group to be more vigilant of the “colorum” nightspots.

Lerma Española, chief of the City Hall’s Permit Division clarified that no permits will be issued on said joints with the establishments located in no-business zones such as by the roadside and government properties.

Meanwhile, smearing of nightspot workers continue with the Social Hygiene Clinic of the Iloilo City Health Office at the helm. Since Monday, the smearing was transferred to said agency from the workers of the Department of Health, a move welcomed by the women workers.

As such, Dr. Raleda Villaruel appealed of a voluntary effort coming from the group to have themselves checked and treated in the event of positive sexually-transmitted disease transmissions.

Dr. Urminico Baronda, City Health Office chief, for his part said, it is important that the women workers know that the concern is foremost on them and not on the clients.

“It is for your sake and not your customers. That is our main concern here,” Baronda stressed.

Also present on the MIASSES meeting was Chief Inspector Erna Foerster, chief of the city’s Women and Children’s Desk who echoed the city’s concern of continued compliance on prescribed rules. Any violations particularly on the hiring of minors will be duly dealt with, Chief Insp. Foerster said.