GINGOOG City — The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) has clarified that the renewal of the Mercado Sports Arena’s business permit is valid despite the death of its owner, as long as proper change of ownership follows.
BPLO Division Head Juliet Q. Garredo said Friday, Oct. 3, that there is no violation in renewing a business permit even if the proprietor has passed away, explaining that “what’s important is that after the renewal, the change of proprietorship also follows.”
Garredo said the cockpit’s business permit was renewed in January, prior to the owner’s death in March this year. At that time, the franchise for the establishment had not yet expired.
The issue surfaced after Gingoog City Police Chief Lt. Col. Dennis de los Santos told the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its Sept. 29 session that cockfighting activities took place on Aug. 30, Sept. 6, and Sept. 13 without a special permit.
City Councilor Rodrigande Miole asked about the status of the Mercado Sports Arena’s permit, and Garredo replied that the business was duly renewed.
Councilor and Association of Barangay Captains President Winfred Militante Jr., who presided over the session, said ownership transfer should occur before a renewal is approved but noted that the discussion was only in aid of legislation.
The City Council had already granted the renewal of the arena’s franchise on Aug. 11 through SP Resolution No. 2025-227 under City Ordinance No. 2018-321, without questioning ownership status at the time.Garredo said the establishment was given one month to process the transfer of ownership.Local Revenue Collection Officer Nere R. Camocamo reported that the city government collected P713,681.50 from the cockpit between 2020 and 2025, including regulatory fees and local business taxes.
