MOUNTAIN PROVINCE– To enhance, ensure financial stability, and resiliency on the collection performance of the province, the Revenue Review Committee and the technical working group on the revenue code came up with some rate adjustment of the fees and charges under the existing revenue code of the province that has been in use for more than six (6) years.
The revenue code is to be amended or revised every after five (5) years.
As provided under Section 191 of the Local Government Code (LGC), the Local Government Units (LGUs) shall have the authority to adjust the tax rate as prescribed herein not oftener than once every five years, but in no case shall such adjustment exceed ten percent (10%) of the rates fixed under this code.
The committee, headed by Provincial Administrator Amador P. Batay-an, finds the necessity of updating and rationalizing the revenue code especially in the rate adjustment of regulatory fees and charges commensurate to the escalating costs of the regulations and services provided.
One of the fees and charges that need to be updated are the charges for provincial government facilities like lot and building space rentals.
The committee proposed to double the lot rental rate per square meter to provide more revenues for the discharge of basic services to the people, commensurate to the sky rocketing costs of lots in the market, and to discourage sub-leasing.
Some hospital fees and charges were proposed for rate adjustment also. According to Dr. Penelope A. Domogo, the adjustment is to upgrade hospital facilities and equipment aside from the escalating cost of medical supplies and equipment. 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 local governments cannot adjust beyond the rate as provided by the Local Government Code of 1991. The province tax impositions are already at their maximum rates.
The committee including the technical working group (TWG) is on the process of conducting further research and study on the proposed amendments to come up with viable and reasonable adjustments, and in conformity with codal provisions and declared national policy.
Provincial Treasurer and TWG chairman, Cawed A. Gamonnac, said that 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 that, one of the important highlights of the process is the conduct of public hearings wherein the public, stakeholders and concerned individuals will be given the chance to air their sentiments and concerns on the proposed amendments.** Alfred Macalling
