Mayor Feliciano Belmonte has reiterated that short time or temporary lease of rooms in all hotels, apartelles, lodging houses and other similar establishments are strictly prohibited in Quezon City.

Belmonte, in an interview, invoked the ordinance penned by Councilor Franz Pumaren which regulates the operations of these establishments.

Pumaren said some unscrupulous hotels and lodging houses allow the leasing of rooms for a period of less than 12 hours, or the so-called "short time" in order to increase their income.

"Such practice promotes promiscuity and illicit sexual activities among the populace due to the seeming accessibility of these rooms as their respective venues," Pumaren said.

Belmonte said it is the duty and responsibility of the city government to maintain the standards of morality within its territorial jurisdiction through the proper exercise of police power.

The proprietor or owner of the establishment found to be violating the law shall be penalized by a suspension of their license to operate for a period of one month and shall be liable to pay a fine of P1,000 or both for their first offense. (Rico C. Navarro)