Tax collectors urged: Observe DILG memo

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has advised the city’s tax collectors not to collect entrance fees of products brought into the city unless these are intended for the market.

Councilors Margarita “Margot” Osmeña and Alvin Dizon said that collecting fees for products transported into the city jurisdiction even if these are not intended for the market is a violation of the directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Osmeña and Dizon learned directly from market administrator Raquel Arce that tax collectors of the city are conducting checkpoints to ensure that all products transported into the city are paid with “entry taxes.”

According to the two councilors, they are not against the collection of entry taxes but only for products that are intended for the city markets.

The councilors said tax collectors should strictly comply with the directive of the DILG in order not to seriously hamper the free flow of goods since the continued collection of entry fees and other charges upon transfer of goods could trigger an increase in prices on goods and “will be an additional burden for the consumers in these times of hardship.”

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo earlier warned the local officials against collecting of fees on trucks and motor vehicles passing through their territorial jurisdictions after receiving reports that some LGUs failed to comply with the policy.

Several transport groups complained to Robredo that some LGUs are still collecting illegal fees and taxes, particularly on trucks and other motor vehicles passing through their jurisdiction.

Osmeña and Dizon cited Section 133 of the Local Government Code, which limits the imposition of fees and charges on goods into or out of, or passing through the territorial jurisdictions of the local government units in the guise of charges for wharfage, tool of bridges or other charges.”

In his directive, Robredo enjoined the local chief executives to refrain from enforcing any existing ordinance authorizing the levy of fees and taxes on inter-province transport of goods, regulatory fees from passengers in local ports, and other additional taxes, fees or charges in any form upon transporting goods and passengers.

The City Council approved a resolution on the matter, a copy of which will be sent to the City Treasurer’s Office and the Market Authority. – (FREEMAN)