THE Negros Occidental Provincial Government lost about P800,000 in revenues after a quarry operator from the south allegedly used fake coupons to carry out his business.
This was revealed on Thursday, May 11 by Vice Govenor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who met with the officials of Provincial Environment Management Office, along with some board members, to shed light on the case of the quarry operator from Kabankalan City.
The operator, who allegedly produced copies of the original coupon issued by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, is being investigated by the Provincial Legal Office.
Lacson said the proliferation of fake quarrying coupons brings “big loss” to the Capitol as the P800,000 lost revenues for two months could have been an income of the Provincial Government, the local government unit, and the barangay.
The illegal practice put the Provincial Government at a “disadvantage,” he said.
Lacson added that the losses of the Provincial Government could run in millions if it is happening all over the province.
He said that the practice must be stopped, adding that he would push for stricter policies to end the illegal activity.
“If proven that there’s anomaly, the Provincial Board will come up with policies on how to avoid this illegal practice...this could be happening all over the province,” he said.
Another hearing will be held next week, with officials from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.