Mayor Jerry Treñas warned he would shut down hotels and other accommodation establishments in Iloilo City if they allow the holding of parties within their premises.
The city is currently under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), but parties, according to Treñas, remain prohibited to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The mayor said he received several reports that some hotels are not strictly implementing health and safety protocols and allow their guests to hold parties.
Accommodation establishments in the city are allowed to operate subject to regulations of the LGU.
At present, there are 129 active cases of COVID-19 in Iloilo City, according to the Department of Health (DOH-6).
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT-6) issued an advisory reminding all accommodation establishments of the existing rule under DOT regulations that accommodation establishments housing quarantine guests shall not simultaneously accept regular (leisure) guests.
The advisory, signed by DOT-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas, is based on Section 26 of DOT Administrative Order No. 2020-002-C and provisions of Administrative Order No. 2020-006-C.
The two administrative orders prohibited accommodation establishments operating under MGCQ as quarantine or isolation facility for repatriated overseas Filipinos, returning overseas Filipinos, and locally stranded individuals and as quarters for health workers from accepting guests for business or leisure purposes.IMT