MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government cracked down on bars and dining establishments for violating quarantine guidelines and arrested individuals caught not following restrictions.
Handed temporary closure notices by the local government were the G-Side Bar along Tomas Morato and Ciso’s Gastrobar in Del Monte Avenue, after photos shared on social media showed patrons partying in these places.
“We support economic recovery and job creation, but these should not be at the expense of public health. We will not hesitate to close down establishments if and when we find out these businesses are venues of superspreader events,” said Margie Santos, head of the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Department.
Mayor Joy Belmonte also voiced her displeasure over the incidents.
“The patrons of these bars even had the audacity to post in social media their wanton violation of health and safety protocols, oblivious to the fact that there are more transmissible variants now and public safety remains at risk,” Belmonte said.
On June 9 operators of several establishments were arrested for also flouting rules.
Authorities arrested the club manager, employees, and club guests of Chapparal KTV Ventures Inc., and rescued several female workers who were turned over to the Women’s Desk of the Quezon City Police Department.
Dozens of employees of a KTV bar were also found violating health protocols.
Belmonte previously said that bars, karaoke bars, clubs, and concert halls are still not allowed to operate.
Charges will be filed against the owners of the bars, according to Task Force Disiplina chief Ranulfo Ludovica.
Belmonte, meanwhile, said authorities would continue to inspect and monitor establishments to make sure they follow rules.
“Lagi po namin pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga residente na sundin ang health protocols and guidelines. Kapag bawal, bawal talaga. No one is exempted from the law. Any person who will violate our protocols will be apprehended or will face charges,” she said.
[Translation: We constantly remind residents to follow health protocols and guidelines. What is prohibited will stay that way. No one is exempted from the law. Any person who will violate our protocols will be apprehended or will face charges.]
Reporting by Albert Rovic Tan
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