Manila, Sept. 4 -- The city government here is assisting closed businesses to comply with local regulations, following the shutdown of 23 establishments for operating without mayor's permits in the past week.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a statement on Thursday that he has instructed the City Legal Office (CLO) to engage in dialogues with business owners to facilitate their compliance with city regulations.

"If they are facing problems that prevent them from securing permits, they should coordinate with us, and we'll act on it," he added.

On Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, the joint operations of the CLO and Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) led to the closure of an Internet cafe and gaming station, a department store, a pastry shop, a ...