Warning out vs. internet cafes without permits
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday warned internet cafes operating without business permits to comply with Regulation Ordinance 2001-185 otherwise they will be padlocked.
Regulation Ordinance 2001-185 requires all business establishments to secure business licenses before operating.
Treñas's order was in response to the clamor of the Task Force Adams Apple over the alleged inaction of the City Legal Office on the internet cafes they have caught operating without permits.
The task force identified Galaxy and Cursor internet cafes as the constant violators of the city ordinance.
Earlier, the task force also caught the following internet cafes operating without permits: RGA Internet Center, Piglet.Net, Backyard.Com, Hackers Point Internet Café, Coccyx Computer Center, Quick Sit Internet Station, Packet Switch Computer Sales and Service, Battle Dome Internet Station, Net Post Internet Café and SkyRace Internet Station.
Treñas said he has also called the attention of Atty. Edgar Gil, chief of the City Legal Office, Lerma Española, chief of the Permits and Licensing Division and Task Force Adams Apple chief Marietta Geremias regarding the problem.
Under the ordinance, establishments caught operating without permits for the third time could be imposed the penalty of closure. Third offenders could also be meted a penalty of imprisonment from six months to one year and a P5,000 fine.
The task force earlier lamented that the CLO failed to act on the apprehensions they have made against illegal internet cafes.
It was learned that aside from operating without permits, there are also internet cafes that allow entry of school children during class hours which is also prohibited in the ordinance.