LOOK: Mayor Isko shuts down Isetann mall along Recto Avenue

Manila mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno on Wednesday served the closure order and plastered and "closed" signage at the main entrance of the Isetann mall along C. M. Recto Avenue for several violations.

A day before the mall's closure, the mayor  said the establishment faced possible closure due to lack of permit.

Photo by Danny Pata

Moreno said he had asked the management of Isetann, one of Manila's oldest shopping malls, explain its lack of permit.  

"Hindi namin papayagan dahil kung hindi kayo magtitino at hindi kayo makikiayon sa pamamalakad ng pamahalaang lungsod, hindi rin magtitino ang ating pamayanan," Moreno said.

Likewise, he warned that all malls with similar problem with Isetann would suffer the same consequences.

Moreover, Moreno said the city government would also start banning  the selling of second-hand mobile phones, of which some turned out to be stolen units.

But in a statement, Isetann said Tuesday that second-hand cellphones were supposed to be immediately pulled out its stalls.

"We have written the City government today that in keeping with the instructions of the Honorable City Mayor, the sale of second-hand phones will no longer be allowed here at the Isetann Cinerama effective immediately," the management said in an emailed statement. —with a report by Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News