Friday, April 11, 2008 Mankayan told to stop collecting taxes in Abatan area
THE Buguias Municipal Government was asked to stop collecting business taxes from establishments found in a disputed area with its neighboring town of Mankayan.
In a resolution, officials of Mankayan want the municipality of Buguias to observe the status quo while the boundary dispute between the two local government units (LGUs) are still being settled.
Complaints of harassment from business establishments situated in Abatan where a boundary tiff is taking place have been forwarded to the Mankayan Municipal Government.
"This town has been receiving reports of harassment by some municipal employees of Buguias to community members and businessmen in the western part of Abatan who are paying business taxes to this municipality," the Mankayan resolution stated.
Pending the resolution of the boundary conflict by the Benguet Provincial Board, Mankayan officials said its neighboring town should observe the agreed boundary, which is the middle of Halsema Highway in Abatan.
"This must be observed and respected as boundary, pending the final settlement of the conflict between (our) towns," Mankayan officials said, asking Buguias town to stop collecting taxes from business establishments located within the disputed area. (JC)
