Business leaders are set to oppose a proposed ordinance that would require City of San Fernando establishments to hire security guards before they can secure Mayor’s permits.

Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) co-founder and Romac Group of Companies owner Rene Romero tagged the proposed ordinance as ‘anti-business’, adding that it is “unfavorable for businesses, as not all require security guards.”

Romero stressed that the duty of providing security onto businesses is the government’s responsibility, and not that of the business entities. “This is a crucial moment for the business sector, especially PamCham members, to advocate for their interests. It is the city that has the mandate to protect business enterprises as they pay taxes where it could possibly draw payments for such services. The city must not pass this burden to businessmen.”

A businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that if the city, through the taxes paid by the citizens, cannot provide business protection, then business entities may be forced to boycott paying local taxes.

Further, Romero said that the hiring of security guards “must remain a prerogative of the businessmen as it is them who knows exactly if they really need to hire,” and that it is “not appropriate for the local government to impose such mandates on businesses.”

Former PamCham President Romero said that businessmen are “puzzled, if not confused as to why the city is still pursuing this move despite their expressed opposition to the measure.They are asking who stands to benefit from this requirement.”

Romero stated that 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 the hiring of security guards.”

He appealed to the current PamCham leadership to firmly oppose the ordinance, saying that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which the PamCham is supposed to represent, will be most affected should the ordinance be passed.

“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,” he stated.

“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,” he said.

Romero has requested PamCham President Terry Carlos and Chairman Jess Nicdao to attend the hearing on January 18 and declare their strong opposition to the proposed ordinance, which, if passed, may hold PamCham accountable for not adequately representing the interests of PamCham members and the entire San Fernando business community.