Warehouse displaying Chinese flag shut down in Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines — Valenzuela Mayor Weslie Gatchalian ordered the closure of a warehouse in the city that displayed the Chinese flag after it was found to lack business and mayor’s permits to operate.

The warehouse was closed on Thursday upon the recommendation of the city’s business permit and licensing office (BPLO) after discovering that STR Power Equipment Corp., one of three companies leasing space at the warehouse compound, was operating without the required permits, according to the city government.

The BPLO has launched an investigation into the warehouse, located in Barangay Bignay, after the Chinese flag was put on display.

The city government found the display to be in violation of Section 34 (h) of Republic Act 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. 

The BPLO is trying to determine which company was responsible for raising the flag.

The city government said the other two companies allegedly employ foreign nationals. The BPLO is checking whether these employees possess work visas.