Mt Province to increase government fees, charges

Public hearing set 

By Alfred Macalling

BONTOC, Mountain Province – This province is set to increase government fees and charges to enhance financial stability after a public hearing.

The revenue review committee and technical working group on the revenue code came up with rate adjustment of fees and charges under the revenue code of the province that reached more than six years of operation.

The revenue code is amended or revised every five years.

As provided under Section 191 of Local Government Code, local government units shall have the authority to adjust the tax rate as prescribed herein not more than once every five years, but in no case shall such adjustment exceed 10 percent of rates fixed under this code.

The committee, headed by Provincial Administrator Amador P. Batay-an, found necessity of updating and rationalizing the revenue code especially regulatory fees and charges.

Officials said one of fees and charges that need to be updated were charges of provincial government facilities especially lot and building space rental. 

The committee proposed to double the lot rental rate per square meter to provide more revenues for basic services commensurate to increasing  cost of lots in the market, and to discourage leaseholders from selling and sub-leasing.

Some hospital fees and charges were also proposed for rate adjustment.

Dr. Penelope A. Domogo said the adjustment is to upgrade hospital facilities and equipment considering escalating cost of medical supplies and equipments.

She added that one reason for adjustment is to be at par with other government hospitals.

There is no adjustment of tax impositions of the provincial government since the local governments cannot adjust beyond the rate as provided by the Local Government Code of 1991. The province tax impositions are already at its maximum rates.

The committee including the technical working group is conducting further research and study on proposed amendments to come up with viable and reasonable adjustments, and in conformity with the provisions and declared national policy.

Provincial treasurer and TWG chairman, Cawed A. Gamonnac, said  after the proposed ordinance will be finalized by the committee, it will be recommended and presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for scrutiny and legislative procedures.

He added one of important highlights of the process is the conduct of public hearing wherein the public, stakeholders and the concerned individuals will be given an avenue to air their sentiments and concerns on the proposed amendments. 

According to the treasurer, this will minimize questions once it is enacted into an ordinance.

The public is soon to be invited by the SP to attend the public hearing on this concern.