MANILA, Philippines--Twenty-five junk shops in Marikina City were ordered shut for failing to comply with zoning and sanitation requirements, officials said Thursday.

Business Permits and License Office acting chief Alfredo Aguilar said the shops did not meet basic requirements such as operating in noncommercial/industrial zones, using space of at least 100 square meters, and securing sanitation and health certificates.

Aguilar said these guidelines are stipulated in Ordinance No. 80, series of 2006, which regulates junk shop operations in Marikina City.

In a statement, Mayor Marides Fernando said the city would strictly enforce the ordinance to safeguard public health as well as address safety and sanitation concerns.

Restrictions

?Implementing restrictions helps ensure that junk shops do not pose any hazards to health. We also want owners to operate their business properly and responsibly,? she said.

Officials said there are 31 junk shops that operate in Marikina City.

Violators of the ordinance will be meted the following penalties: P1,000 on the first offense; P3,000 on the second, and revocation of business permit and license to operate on the third offense.

?In principle?

Ordinance No. 80 actually parallels a resolution approved ?in principle? by the Metro Manila Council urging local governments to enact a uniform ordinance that will regulate the operations of junk shops and vulcanizing shops throughout the metropolis.

In the same statement, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando said it is high time city mayors set standards on the operations of these establishments, particularly those on the sidewalks.

He said these shops worsen traffic congestion, and that the piles of junk and recyclable materials stockpiled on the front and even on the roofs of these shops are unsightly.