Pampanga businessman Rene Romero has urged members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham) to oppose the ordinance imposed by the City of San Fernando Council for businesses to hire security guards which he described as “anti-business.”
In an appeal to PamCham Board of Directors, Romero said the CSF LGU Council has resurrected the ordinance that will require businesses in the capital city to hire security guards as a pre-condition for obtaining a Mayor’s Permit.
Said Romero: “This proposal is unfavorable for businesses, as not all require security guards. It is anti-business!”
Romero said the CSF Council ordinance will impact the “Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that we supposed to represent. I urge the officials of Pamcham, particularly our President and Chairman of the Board, to pay close attention to this ordinance and to firmly oppose it!”
“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. The government should not shift its duty of providing security onto businesses, as it is its responsibility,” according to Romero.
Romero, who served as PamCham president in the past and one of the respected business leaders in Pampanga province, said 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.
“It is not appropriate for the local government to impose such mandates on businesses. 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.
Romero has implored PamCham President Terry Carlos and Chairman Jess Nicdao to attend the hearing on January 18 and present a strong opposition to the said ordinance which according to him will drive away investors in the City of San Fernando.
“If this ordinance is passed, it could have adverse consequences for the city of San Fernando. 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,” said Romero.
Romero expressed fears that “if the ordinance passes, Pamcham members and the entire San Fernando business community may hold Pamcham accountable for not adequately representing their interests.”
Romero has earlier predicted a rosy business prospects for 2024 amid what he calls “challenges” brought by high interest rates, inflation, climate change, and external challenges played out by the wars between Ukraine and Russia, and between the Hamas and Israel.