CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “It’s anti-business…with the MSMEs most impacted.”
Thus, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) past president and incumbent director Rene Romero decried the proposed city ordinance “requiring all business establishments to hire security guards in their place of business as condition for the issuance of mayor’s permit.”
This, as he appealed to the PamCham to “firmly oppose” the ordinance that he called “unfavorable for businesses, as not all require security guards.”
A public hearing on the proposed measure has been scheduled by the city council on Jan. 18 at the Heroes Hall.
“This is a crucial moment for the business sector, especially PamCham members, to advocate for their interests. We pay taxes to the local government expecting services like community and business security,” said Romero in his appeal to the PamCham board.
“The government should not shift its duty of providing security onto businesses, as it is its responsibility. The local government ought to leave the decision of hiring security guards to the discretion of businesses, as business owners are best positioned to determine if their operations require such security measures,” he noted. “It is not appropriate for the local government to impose such mandates on businesses.”
Furthered Romero: “Currently, there is no compelling data to suggest that the city’s security situation is critically alarming. Therefore, it raises the question as to why the city council would insist on making the hiring of security guards [mandatory for all business establishments].”
The long-time pillar of the Pampanga business community warned his colleagues that “If the ordinance passes, PamCham members and the entire San Fernando business community may hold PamCham accountable for not adequately representing their interests.”
Even more devastating are the consequences for the city, if the ordinance is enacted, Romero said. “Existing businesses may choose to relocate to areas without this security guard requirement, and potential new businesses might decide to establish themselves elsewhere. This scenario would result in a significant loss for San Fernando, both in terms of business activity and economic vitality.”
