No permit, no business: Tuguegarao shuts down boarding houses in Caritan Norte

City government orders establishments to stop accepting boarders until requirements are secured

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Several boarding houses along Campos Street in Barangay Caritan Norte have been ordered to stop operations after the Tuguegarao City Government found that they were allegedly operating without valid business permits and other required regulatory clearances.

The city’s inspection team visited the concerned boarding houses on August 13, 2026, following the issuance of Cease and Desist Order (CDO) No. 12, Series of 2026, on August 11.

The order prohibits the establishments from continuing their operations, including accepting boarders, until they secure valid Mayor’s Permits and comply with other requirements under City Ordinance No. 07-2011.

Records from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) showed that several Notices of Violation and Demand Letters had previously been issued to the concerned boarding houses, reminding their operators to comply with the requirements for securing business permits.

Despite the previous notices, the establishments allegedly continued operating without completing the required permits and clearances.

Barangay urges business owners to comply

Meanwhile, Caritan Norte Barangay Captain Felix Taguiam Jr. urged business owners in the area to secure the necessary permits to avoid violations and enforcement actions.

“Kayong may negosyo dito sa may Barangay Caritan Norte, hinihikayat ko po kayo na maglabas po kayo ng business permit sa BPLO. Para sa ganoon, hindi na kayo ma-issuehan ng demand letter,” Taguiam said in a video posted on the official Facebook page of the Local Government Unit of Tuguegarao City.

The city government said operating a business without the necessary permits constitutes a violation of City Ordinance No. 07-2011, which prohibits businesses within Tuguegarao City from operating without the required permits from the local government.

The enforcement action was also supported by Legal Comment No. 60, Series of 2026, issued by the City Legal Office, which recommended the immediate implementation of the CDO due to the establishments’ continued operation despite previous notices.

The city government cited Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which grants local government units authority to regulate businesses within their jurisdiction in the interest of public welfare.

Boarding houses told to stop accepting tenants

Under the CDO, the owners were instructed to immediately cease operations and refrain from accepting boarders or conducting any business-related activities until they obtain the necessary permits and clearances.

They were also advised to coordinate with the BPLO to process their documents and comply with all applicable requirements.

The city government warned that failure to comply with the order may result in administrative, civil, or criminal action without further notice.

The enforcement of the CDO involved the BPLO, City Legal Office, Tuguegarao Component City Police Station, and other concerned enforcement units.

The inspection and enforcement activity form part of the city government’s continuing efforts to ensure that businesses operating in Tuguegarao City comply with local ordinances and regulatory requirements.

The city government’s action serves as a reminder to boarding house operators and other business owners that securing the necessary permits is not merely a regulatory requirement but a condition for legally operating within the city.