THE mayor of Carmen, Cebu defended his administration's decision to deny an entrepreneur a business permit, saying that it was his duty to ensure that all businesses complied with the necessary requirements.

Mayor Carlo Villamor responded to accusations of grave misconduct and graft, explaining that Richard Rendal Sarad's application was incomplete, missing not only a lessor's permit but also a building permit and other essential documents.

"Mr. Richard Sarad, tubagon [ta na og] sakto imong allegations," the mayor said on Tuesday, October 15.

Sarad, the owner of RJ and MJ Merchandise and a resident of Barangay Cogon East, had filed charges against Villamor for refusing to renew his business permit and ordering the closure of his establishment.

Sarad claimed that despite fulfilling all the requirements listed by the municipal treasurer’s office, his business, which deals in rice and corn sales and operates an eatery, had been unjustly denied a permit renewal since 2022.

His business, which had been issued permits without issue in 2019, 2020, and 2021, faced continued denial in 2023 and 2024, even after Sarad paid back taxes and submitted the necessary documents.

The situation escalated on May 15, 2024, when Sarad received a cease and desist order from the mayor’s office, leading to the closure of his business.

Sarad, with the help of Atty. Julius Caesar Entise, filed criminal and administrative complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas.

The charges against Villamor include violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), along with allegations of oppression, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to public service.

In his defense, Villamor clarified that the town's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) had found Sarad's documents incomplete, which justified the denial of the permit.

He also noted that in August, the BPLO began a review of all businesses in the town to ensure compliance and reiterated that the office was open to addressing any concerns.

Villamor, who is seeking reelection, expressed confidence that the allegations would be resolved appropriately and assured the public that his administration continued to serve the people of Carmen.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Carmen
• #Carlo Villamor
• #Business Permit
• #Richard Rendal Sarad
• #Grave Misconduct
• #Graft
• #Cebu Politics