Small business, big requirements

My husband plans to start a coffee business somewhere in Pasig City. Little did we know that we will also fall victim to illegal transactions and irregularities.

These are the things that bother us: 1) Some of the requirements that he already complied with were not indicated in the receipt; 2) Requiring us to buy and install three earthquake sensors. My husband and I are wondering why we need to buy them from a “chosen” supplier.

The business that my husband is planning to put up is just a small bungalow-type café, so we thought that having three sensors is excessive.

My husband asked questions, and that started our dilemma. Until now, the status of our application for a business permit is unknown; there has been no feedback or explanation from city hall.

Public servants should serve the people and the country with equity, transparency and honesty.

I write this to increase awareness and encourage others to speak up if they have similar experiences, so we could help address and correct what is wrong.

KRISTINE SAMANIEGO, [email protected]