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.
The revenue code will be amended or revised every after five years of operation.
As provided under Section 191 of Local Government Code, the local government units will 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 10 percent of the rates fixed under this code.
The committee, headed by provincial administrator Amador Batay-an, finds the necessity of updating and rationalizing the revenue code especially in the rate adjustments of regulatory fees and charges to commensurate to the escalating costs of the regulations and services provided.
One of the fees and charges which need to be updated is the charges of Provincial Government facilities especially the lot and building space rental.
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 cost of lots in the market, and to discourage leaseholders for sale and sub-leasing.
Some hospital fees and charges were proposed for rate adjustment.
Dr. Penelope Domogo said the adjustment will upgrade hospital facilities and equipments aside from the escalating cost of medical supplies and equipments and to be at par with other government hospitals.
Accordingly, there is no adjustment of tax impositions of the provincial government since the local governments cannot adjust beyond the rate as provided by the Local Government Code of 1991. The province tax impositions are already at its 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 the codal provisions and declared national policy.
Provincial treasurer and TWG chairman Cawed Gamonnac, said after the proposed ordinance will be finalized by the committee; it will be recommended and presented to the Provincial Board for scrutiny and legislative procedures.
He added that one of the important highlights of the process is the conduct of public hearing wherein the public, stakeholders and the concern individuals will be given an avenue to air their sentiments and concerns on the proposed amendments.
This, the treasurer said, will minimize the questions once it is enacted into an ordinance.
The public will soon be invited by the Provincial Board to attend the public hearing on this concern. (Alfred Macalling)