OFFICIALS OF Angeles and Mabalacat city governments should vehemently voice out their opposition to the plan of the national government to take away their shares on the Gross Income Earned or GIE.
For some years, these cities have enjoyed the benefits of huge amounts derived from the Gross Income Earned from investors and locators inside the Clark Freeport Zone and the privilege was enshrined in a law, therefore, it would take another law to enable the National Government to get the privilege presently being enjoyed by Angeles and Mabalacat cities. Why then disturb the present set up?
Besides, the national government has other alternative sources than coveting the shares on the GIE of the aforesaid cities. The amounts derived from the GIE are a big help in the funding of infrastructure and acquisition of service vehicles and equipment plus the rendition of adequate basic services for the cities' marginalized sectors.
Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo of Mabalacat City intimated to me that he knows some officials from the Visayas who have already sounded the objection to the plan of the National Government and he, too, is
opposed to the same.
It should be noted that Mayor Cris has acquired several vehicles and equipment using funds from the GIE and is even planning on setting up the police and fire stations in Barangay Mabiga while the city
coffers is still awash with cash. Funds derived from GIE are frugally spent and put to good use, says Mayor Garbo. By all means, sirs, kindly oppose vigorously the plan of the National Government to
take away the privilege.
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SONA, SOCA, SOPA. Every year at this time the national and local governments are set to deliver their respective State of the Union addresses.
Mayor Garbo delivered his at the Asean Convention Center attended by the officials and employees of the Mabalacat City LGU and other dignified guests.
As usual, he passionately delivered the State of the City Address where he divulged the pillars of his government and various accomplishments in his one year in office.
Well applauded was his speech as it came from the heart and was filled with sincerity and determination. All, therefore, look forward to his next SOCA which by the looks of things, it will be embellished with more accomplishments in 2019. God bless Mabalacat City, sir.