Nearly 900 boarding houses in Iloilo City have been found operating without business permits, based on intensified inspections conducted ahead of the new academic year for tertiary students.
The inspection drive, led by the city’s Boarding House Commission (BHC), aims to ensure the safety and legal compliance of off-campus accommodations, particularly those housing college students.
Of the 2,679 boarding houses listed for inspection, 1,953 have been visited as of July 8. Among them, 898 were discovered to be operating without valid business permits.
“These are serious findings,” said City Hall spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal. “Some establishments are operating illegally, while others are located in areas not zoned for commercial use—including socialized housing sites.”
Gorzal disclosed that nine establishments have already been served closure orders for multiple violations, including breaches of zoning regulations, the National Building Code, and the Fire Code of the Philippines.
She also noted that certain permit applications were outright denied after officials found that the structures were built on government-distributed lots or housing areas not intended for commercial or rental purposes.
“Once an establishment is found to be operating without a permit, the owner is given seven days to comply,” she explained. “If [the owner] fails to secure a permit or submit a pending application within that period, our inspection team recommends closure.”
The city government said inspection efforts will continue in the coming weeks to ensure that all boarding houses comply with legal and safety standards.IMT
