On Oct. 9, Manila City mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso ordered the closure of Isetann Mall due to alleged violations of city ordinances and misrepresenting applications for permits. Moreno himself served the closure order.
READ: The closure order served by the Manila City government#AlertoManileno pic.twitter.com/ZmJSbzyMNm
— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) October 9, 2019
According to the city’s Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office, the mall’s operator Trans Orient Management Services failed to secure a business permit for the year, and that only one out of four cinemas in the mall had a business permit. Despite this, Isetann Mall continued to perform property management functions and services.
Moreover, mall owner Tri-Union Properties was accused of misrepresenting Isetann Mall’s applications for permits. The closure order for Isetann Mall cites a misrepresentation of the mall’s actual business area, which was declared to only occupy 1,000 square meters; and a “questionable number of employees.”
Prior to its closure, Moreno recently ordered a ban on selling secondhand mobile phones around the city of Manila. In line with this, he threatened to close down Isetann Mall if they continue to allow vendors to sell secondhand phones in their establishment.
[READ: Manila bans selling of secondhand phones]
Moreno, however, notes that there is a possibility for Isetann Mall to reopen, provided that their management is able to comply with Manila government’s requirements.
Writer: ANGELA PATRICIA SUACILLO
