Rama Orders LBC Closure

Mayor Michael Rama has finally ordered the closure of all LBC Express branches that are operating in Cebu City which do not have security guards that can protect its business from the robbers.

In his press conference at the City Hall last week, the mayor said a top official of said cargo and money forwarding company, whom he did not identify, met with him last Wednesday and both of them discussed about the series of robberies involving some of the LBC Express branches.

Rama said the LBC Express representative asked him to reconsider his decision to have their outlets temporarily closed by suspending its business permits because they do not have security guards and some of their Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are not functioning well.

He directed City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo to prepare the order for him to sign them as he wants that the closure of the LBC Express branches can be implemented right away.

There is no law or even a city ordinance that provides that the business establishments in Cebu City, particularly financial firms, can be closed if the management fails to employ security guards.

But Rama is firm on his decision to temporarily suspend the business permits granted to LBC Express branches, except those situated inside mall, as mall entrance are properly secured by guards.

The mayor has also instructed City Administrator Lucelle Mercado to immediately implement the closure order once he signed it.

It was learned that some of the LBC Express branches, like the one in Legaspi Street, had already employed a security guard to discourage the robbers from victimizing the establishment.

When the mayor was asked of why the same order was not issued against similar financial establishments that are not employing guards, Rama said “Sila maoy atong isunod.”