Matanao, Davao del Sur — The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Matanao has once again enforced a closure order against Hilltop Lounge and Bar in Sitio Talambato, Barangay Asbang for continuing its operations despite lacking a business permit from the municipality.
Mayor Irick Agbon, in an official video statement, emphasized that the establishment had already been shut down on October 13, 2025 after authorities verified that it failed to secure the necessary documents to legally operate. However, the bar allegedly defied the order and resumed business.
Making matters worse, the mayor revealed that the establishment’s owner reportedly secured a business permit from the Municipality of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat by falsely claiming that Sitio Talambato falls under its jurisdiction.
“Karong buntaga, atong gipatuman pag-usab ang standing closure order nga gibaliwala sa maong establisemento,” Mayor Agbon said, stressing that the local government is serious in upholding all local laws and regulatory measures.
He clarified that Barangay Asbang, including Sitio Talambato, remains unquestionably under the territorial jurisdiction of Matanao, Davao del Sur. “Samtang ako pa ang mayor sa Matanao, dili kini pwedeng ikompromiso,” he added.
The re-imposition of the closure order was carried out jointly by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Municipal Administrator’s Office, Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Treasury Office (MTO), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Municipal Engineering Office.
Mayor Agbon reiterated that the enforcement does not reflect an anti-business environment in Matanao. Instead, it reinforces a clear message that while the municipality welcomes investments, no entity is above the law.
“Ang balaod nga walay ngipon, dili usa ka balaod. Dili nato tugutan nga yatakan ug baliwalaon ang atong mga balaod,” the mayor firmly stated.
Legal actions are now being studied by the LGU’s legal counsel for the bar owner’s alleged violation of Matanao’s tax ordinance. Officials also revealed that the establishment’s owner may be declared persona non grata for undermining the municipality’s authority and attempting to shift jurisdiction to another province.
The popular hilltop bar has been known to attract tourists with its scenic view of Davao del Sur and nearby provinces — a reputation that, for Mayor Agbon, should not become an excuse to disregard local governance and the rule of law.