The closure of the Bacolod Imperial Court Inc. in Brgy. 6, Bacolod City, stands until they can give a valid and compelling reason to revise the status quo, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.

The motel was closed down Dec. 30, 2010 by the Bacolod City Legal Office Enforcement Team led by Cesar Beloria Jr. for operating without a business permit since Dec. 11.

The closure order on the 81-room motel was issued by City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, based on Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution 865 that requested the Office of the Mayor to hold in abeyance any action on the application of BICI for a business permit.

The SP had not issued the motel a favorable endorsement because of such issues as social acceptability, since there is opposition from various women’s groups against the motel that is located near a school.

Leonardia said it was premature on the part of BICI to open on Dec. 11 without a business permit, and that is why it was closed.

He said they are continuously going over all the details of the case.  “We intend to dissect this, evaluate this and coordinate all our actions with the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” he added.

Leonardia said the grant of a permit will depend on their evaluation.

“I have to do this on the basis of what is legal and on what we believe the action should be, based on the documents and on existing policies, rules and regulations of pertinent government agencies,” he said.

Leonardia said they now are gathering all documents and data for the final assessment and act accordingly.*CGS

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