THE Iloilo City Council approved Wednesday a reduction in amusement tax on pop and rock concerts from 30 to 10 percent on the performance of foreign artists and 30 to 5 percent on the performance of national and local artists.

Councilor Nielex Tupas, main proponent of the measure, said the council action is expected to usher in more global and highly acclaimed pop and rock artists to this southern city.

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Tupas said his measure will in effect amend the City Tax Revenue Code or Ordinance 399, as amended, to pave the way for more Ilonggo appreciation of Filipino pop and rock entertainers, several of whom have already conquered the pop and rock scene in other countries.

Among these Filipino artists are Leah Salonga, Billy Crawford, Charisse Pempengco, Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera, and several others who have captured the imagination of the pop generation.

Tupas said it is high time that the city is given the opportunity to see world-class and high caliber performances of foreign and Filipino artists by lowering the high amusement tax that deters promoters from bringing their artists here.

The young councilor also said that big Philippine cities like Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, and Bacolod have a much lower amusement tax that attracts promoters and their artists.

Since last year, many Filipino and foreign artists have shunned this city in their concert tours mainly due to the high amusement tax.

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(December 19, 2008 issue)
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