MANILA (UPDATE) - Isetann Mall, one of the oldest shopping centers in the capital city, faces possible closure for operating without a business permit, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said Tuesday.

The Trans Orient Management Company, which operates Isetann, has no business permit for 2019, Moreno said during a CNN Philippines forum in Taguig.

"The management should explain why its operator does not possess the appropriate permits," the mayor said in a statement.

Isetann, however, said they have a business permit.

"We are ready to cooperate with the authorities to shed light on the matter," the mall said.

According to Isetann, there might be another reason why they are facing closure.

"Isetann Mall Management has written to the Manila 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 at the Isetann Cinerama Complex," the mall said.

"This directive will take effect immediately."

Moreno earlier said two major malls in the capital, including Isetann, would be ordered shut if the establishments' stalls continued selling stolen mobile phones.

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