Probe quarrying in N. Ecija, House asked

MANILA, Philippines — Nueva Ecija third district Rep. Rosanna Vergara has sought a congressional inquiry into quarrying activities in the province.

In a recent privilege speech, Vergara cited complaints on the misdeclaration of quarrying fees, inequitable distribution of revenues, irregularities in the issuance of permits and the practice allowing private individuals to collect fees on behalf of the provincial government.

She said Nueva Ecija’s income from quarrying in the past 10 years is lower compared to nearby provinces like Pampanga even though there are more quarry sites in the province.

In 2015 alone, Vergara said Pampanga collected P359 million while Nueva Ecija only generated P5.4 million.

She also lamented the measly share of the city government of Cabanatuan from quarry revenues despite the volume of activities in the area.

Vergara said Cabanatuan received only P322,394 in 2011 when a total of P538,854,892 were collected for the year.

 She also sought the amendment of the Local Government Code to transfer the authority to issue quarrying permits from the provincial to city or municipal governments. 

Vergara’s speech was referred to the House committee on good government and public accountability last week. 

She said local government officials in charge of the issuance of quarrying permits and collection of fees should be invited to the hearing.