Manila mayor orders closure of mall over violations

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso yesterday ordered the closure of a mall for violating city ordinances but was not revoking its license to operate, providing it with an opportunity to reopen once it has complied with the requirements.

“Can you imagine, a simple problem, the skeletons in the closet came out. It’s a simple compliance issue, so this is what happened to them. We had no choice,” Domagoso said after Isetann Mall in Recto ceased to operate after 31 years.

In a memorandum released by the Manila Bureau of Permits, Tri-Union Properties Inc, which owns Isetann, and Trans Orient Management Services Inc., the operator, violated section 118 of City Ordinance 8331 that required “any entity to secure necessary permits prior to business operation.”

Tri-Union has a business permit as a shopping centre valid until Dec 31, 2019, but did not have a business permit as a lessor as the mall had rented out several stalls, said Domagoso.

Trans Orient has a business permit for one cinema but is operating four, said Domagoso.

Domagoso also pointed to its “questionable number of employees” and its mall area, saying that it is far fetched from what Isetann Recto Mall is now.

“Under its valid business permit, there is a declared area of 1,000 square metres with 10 employees/personnel,” he said.

“I hope this will serve as a lesson to all businessmen who are trying to get away in the city of Manila,” he said.

In a statement released by the marketing group of Isetann, it said that it “fully supported” the mayor’s decision.

Isetann said that its Carriedo, Cubao, P. Tuazon, and Sta. Mesa branches remained open for business.

Aside from leasing stalls to vendors who sell stolen phones, a gambling area disguised as an arcade, was raided by authorities.

Isetann Cinerama Complex on Recto Avenue first opened in 1988.