Illegal trade fair in LT closed

For lack of pertinent permits to operate a business, the trade fair at Km. 5 in La Trinidad, Benguet was closed by the local government unit.
Personnel of the Business Permits and Licensing Section, together with the local police, closed on Jan. 6 the trade fair operated by Maribel Chagwaten.   
Mayor Romeo Salda said Chagwaten has failed to explain in writing and under oath why the structure should not be demolished for lack of building and business permits.
On Dec. 20, Salda issued to Chagwaten a cease and desist order for her failure to secure building permit for the structure, business permit for leasing, and business permit for lessees and assure the overall safety of the public when it comes to the building’s stability.
The structure was built on an empty lot in Km. 5, along the Halsema Highway.
The Municipal Engineering Office said upon inspection on Dec. 13, it issued a notice of violation to the then ongoing construction of the trade fair stalls, stating that “the structure does not appear to be structurally stable which may pose danger to the public.”
On Dec. 17, the construction continued despite non-compliance to the earlier notice of violation, prompting the engineering office to give another notice.
“Despite receipt of the aforementioned cease and desist order, Chagwaten and her tenants opened to the public for commercial purposes the structure with stalls/booths,” the closure order read.
The mayor said the stall owners who rented from Chagwaten failed to secure business permits from the LGU, despite notices.
After the closure order was served, the traders voluntarily took down their respective stalls and wares. – Ofelia C. Empian