Remulla urges mayors to inspect establishments post-occupancy permit

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla urged mayors to regularly inspect establishments even after issuing occupancy permits during a Commission on Appointments hearing.

Remulla's directive came in response to questions about how the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) would ensure that all illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are shut down by year-end.

He noted that some POGOs have been disguising themselves as resorts or restaurants to avoid detection, citing a case in Lapu-Lapu City where a restaurant was found operating illegally.

Remulla emphasized the importance of verifying that businesses match their intended use after issuing occupancy permits and said unregistered scam operations would fall under the jurisdiction of the Philippine National Police and special units.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. previously ordered Pagcor to wind down POGO operations by year-end, but there has been an increasing trend of illegal scam hubs emerging in place of POGOs.

According to Remulla, mayors have the power under the Local Government Code of 1991 to issue licenses and permits, suspend or revoke them for violations, and inspect premises to ensure compliance.