Once again, Mayor Honey Lacuna has shown her genuine concern for the Chinese-Filipino and Muslim communities and even local business operators based in the city of Manila.
This is by asking this writer to issue a directive ordering that all kinds of inspections on business establishments are banned this holiday season.
Immediately, I had the said memo farmed out to all concerned city government departments, bureaus and offices.
The said prohibition on all inspections takes effect immediately and covers all establishments to include shopping malls such as 168 and 999, where numerous stalls are located.
In accordance with the orders given by Mayor Honey, those who will counter or do any acts in violation of the said prohibition will be dealt with accordingly, no ifs or buts.
In short, the mayor’s order on the matter of no inspections during the holidays is for strict compliance.
The mayor’s order is meant to ensure unhampered operations for all businessmen operating within the city of Manila.
She notes that it is only during the holidays that businesses peak in terms of operations and generating revenues.
Most importantly, the move is aimed at thwarting possible attempts by unscrupulous individuals who harass and extort business establishments by posing as city hall inspectors.
We all know that no matter what, this illegal activity is prevalent during holidays, not only in Manila but everywhere else.
Needless to say, the usual targets are establishments owned by Filipino-Chinese businessmen.
In line with this, we in the city government are also appealing to business establishment owners to make sure that they report to the city if anybody goes to them for inspection purposes.
Better yet, have their CCTVs ready or find a way to take a photo or video of the poseur concerned, so that the matter can be acted upon immediately with the identity of the culprit already established.
Why can Mayor Honey afford a move like this?
It’s simple. Her concern for her constituents, specially those who contribute to the lifeblood of the city through the taxes they pay, is real.
More importantly, she is not the kind of mayor who would demand from her underlings a so-called ‘quota’.
This is the term used for grease money being collected by a certain official in exchange for an establishment’s freedom from any form of harassment which includes ‘inspections.’
If one has a quota from his boss, he is prompted to resort to mulcting money from hapless business owners to be able to produce and give to his boss the kind of amount that would make him happy enough to retain one in a ‘juicy position’ or position of influence where one can earn extra.
Mayor Honey is not that kind of a mayor. This is the reason why all -except for one or two- officials have remained loyal to her and her administration.
Just like her, they too want honest and good governance. The kind that the people of Manila truly deserve.
