2 "lingam" parlors in Mandaue not allowed to reopen yet

CEBU, Philippines - The two "lingam" massage parlors that were ordered temporarily closed by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes last week may have paid for some permits but the act does not guarantee the reopening of their business yet.

Rebecca Luna of the Business permit section yesterday said Authentic Lingam Massage   owned by Bella Talingting secured a sanitary permit while 789 Lingam Spa owned by Ernesto Cabalan only paid for the renewal of his business permit.

Luna said the issuance of their business permits will be withheld until they comply with the other requirements.

Luna said these parlors still have to register with the DTI/SEC, SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig.

Both spas have not presented health cards for their attendants either and 789 Lingam Spa lacks a sanitary permit.

City administrator Briccio Boholst yesterday said that being a business friendly city, the city allows business establishments to pay and be issued business permits as long that they will comply with the other requirements within 45 days.

But Boholst said compliance with the sanitary permits and sanitary health cards does not promise the reopening of their business because the permits to operate can be revoked when public interest, safety, and welfare are at stake.

He said the cease and desist order issued to both parlors cannot be lifted until the mayor issues another order lifting his previous order.

Boholst said the city will determine whether to allow the parlors to continue with their operation or not especially now that the mayor has ordered the city council to review and study the city ordinance which regulates the operation of massage parlors and spas in the city.

But instead of a fact finding board, Boholst yesterday suggested that the council instead require these parlors to write specifically the nature of the services they offer to clients. — THE FREEMAN