Malls selling stolen phones to be closed

Ultimatum A handful of secondhand mobile phones, many stolen, are available at some malls in Manila. Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso gave owners 72 hours to rid their establishments of these contraband. Yummie Dingding

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso yesterday warned that he would have the whole of Tutuban Mall and Isetann Mall Recto closed within 72 hours if stalls at these establishments continue selling stolen mobile phones.

In a social media post, the mayor stressed that he will order the closure of the malls if they will continue to coddle vendors who buy and sell stolen mobile phones.

Both malls are home to dozens of kiosks selling second-hand mobile phones and brand-new cellular accessories.

He said the warning also applies “to all malls in the nation’s capital.”

Domagoso has sought to clean up the city and impose discipline on citizens since assuming office. He has hosed down a grimy monument and cleared roads clogged with vendors and illegal structures, earning him praise from fellow government officials, diplomats and the public.

Meanwhile, P/Major Rizalino Ibay Jr. chief of the Manila Police District-Smart Mayor’s Reaction Team, disclosed that six cell phone snatchers, mostly under 18 years of age, are now under their custody and are scheduled to be forwarded to the Manila Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meantime, businesses that will purchase land and replace Escolta’s worn-out establishments with high-rise buildings will be exempted from paying taxes in Manila for 15 years, the mayor said.

The Manila chief executive said it is a way to urge investors to help the local government redeem the capital’s once-bustling commercial center.

According to Domagoso, investors will only qualify for the tax exemption if their developments will have at least 20 floors and 70 percent of their company’s workforce in Escolta are Manila residents.

The 44-year-old mayor, on the other hand, said he would “invest” in Manila’s heritage to spur tourism in the capital city that has lagged behind other Metro Manila territories in terms of development and infrastructure.