MEMBERS of Tuba Municipal Council penned a resolution urging a cement corporation shares in mineral extraction at Sitio Sanguitlang, Barangay Ansagan.
This developed after Mayor Ignacio Rovera said they were only informed through a consultant they have to receive shares from the Northern Cement Corporation's operation for so many years.
"It is high time for them to pay shares,” the mayor said.
"Tuba needs help for these claims and is collating all possible documents needed to be submitted to the Bureau of Lands and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other government offices to compute their supposed benefits," Ignacio said.
In the resolution, members of the council called on the Northern Cement Corporation through national line agencies for shares from the utilization of national wealth extracted from the jurisdiction of Tuba.
The resolution noted, the corporation has been extracting raw materials, including finished products but never gave equitable share due to the local government unit.
The Council specified under the Republic Act 7160 Section 289, it clearly states LGUs must receive 40 percent share of the gross collection derived from taxes, royalties, and other fees.
Sharing the internal revenue to the LGU and inhabitants of direct benefits includes 20 percent share to the province, 45 percent share to the municipality, and 35 percent for the barangay.
The resolution has been forwarded to the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet for endorsement and support.
The resolution was also forwarded to the NCC office in Mandaluyong City , office of the Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Environment Secretary Regina Lopez.