Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Odilon Pasaraba on Thursday, Dec. 8, tackled the concerns of citizens over the two departments under its helm: the local government's units (LGUs) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Pasaraba temporarily filled in for DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos and joined anchor Deo Macalma during the second episode of the program "DILG sa DZRH Breaktime."
On the rights of LGUs to shut down small and large businesses
In the first part of the show, the discussion revolves around whether or not the LGU has the right to order the closure of large and small businesses.
According to Pasaraba, both incumbent mayors and barangay captains can order the shutdown of large business establishments and small-scale businesses such as sari-sari stores or small neighborhood retail outlets if they are not adhering to the imposed policies, ordinances, and existing laws.
He also noted that businesses, including those situated in remote areas in the provinces, are required to have a registered business permit. Otherwise, they will no longer be allowed to operate.
“Binibigyan ka ng oportunidad o pribilehiyo na magbenta o mag-engage ng trade and commerce. Kaya kailangan pa rin ng ang ating local na pamahalaan ay i-regulate [ang iyong operasyon] at mabigyan ka ng permiso kasi ang binebenta natin ay mga public goods at ito ay nakakaapekto sa ating kalusugan o safety ng ating mga mamamayan,” Pasaraba explained.
[You are given the opportunity or privilege to sell or engage in trade and commerce. Therefore, the local government needs to regulate (your operations) and give you the permit to sell because these public goods could affect the health or safety of our citizens.]
As per the warning of closure, he said no permit meant an immediate shutdown.
But those business owners who seemed to be providing good quality service but had no permit would just be given a chance.
All store owners can apply for business permits at their respective barangays.
However, Pasaraba said permit applications can be denied once owners would not submit the required documents such as barangay clearance, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) business name registration, and financial statements.
On the alleged limiting and blocking of PDLs’ foods
Meanwhile, in the second part of the program, BJMP Chief Allain Rial joined the discussion about the complaint of allegedly limiting food at the BJMP Metro Manila Annex 2 in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Based on the complaint filed by the families of PDLs, BJMP guards, namely Johnmar Mabunga and Mark Francisco, were reportedly placing limits on inmates’ food ration to prompt them to buy costly foods from their cooperatives.
The families also reported the alleged blocking of food they have sent to inmates.
Rial said the two reported guards were immediately relieved from their post and currently, the investigation of the case is ongoing.
According to the BJMP chief, the budget for each person deprived of liberty (PDLs) is Php 70, good for three meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The money for purchasing fuel used for cooking is also sourced from the said budget.
Rial said a proposed bill seeking to increase the budget per inmate from Php 70 to 100 is currently being tackled at the committee level in Congress.
For the part of the DILG, Pasaraba said their office is also seeking for higher food budget for inmates along with the increase of BJMP facilities.
“Nag-ikot ang ating mahal na Secretary at Director Iral at nakita natin na may development opportunities pa na kailangan aksyunan. And though their leadership, ito ay unti-unti binibigyan ng aksyon at sana makita natin ang resulta for 2023. More results in 2023,” he added.
On the other hand, Rial shared that inmates escaping from jail facilities every holiday season is no longer the trend as compared to the early days.
He cited this as due to their heightened red alert status and the enforced no vacation leaves for BJMP personnel.
Watch DILG sa DZRH Breaktime every Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at DZRH News Facebook and YouTube.
