Capitol quarry permit issuance highlights hearing on revenue code amendment
Matters that have long hounded the issuance of quarry permits by the Iloilo Provincial Government took the 'center stage' in yesterday's committee hearing at the Capitol.
Called to discuss proposed amendments on the Provincial Revenue Code of Iloilo, millions in Capitol profits were reported to the committee by top Capitol chiefs.
Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr. led the committee hearing with Board Members Richard Garin, June Mondejar, Mac Napulan and George Demaisip as among those present. Further still, the committee heard sentiments on the proposed revisions on the issuance of permits for the taking, removal and disposition of minerals and other quarry resources and imposition of tax on the extracted materials, as well as, the imposition of penalties for violations thereof.
Lead committees were Committee on Ways and Means and Committee on Economic Affairs and Investment, both chaired by Defensor Jr, proponent of the revision-initiative.
Among the invited resource persons were Director Leo Van Juguan, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Regional Office VI, Atty. White Gallego, Attorney III also of the MGB, Engineer Nestor Manayon, Officer-in-Charge MGB Management Division, Director Bienvenido Lipayon, Regional Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau, Engineer Virgilio Fabronero, Chief, DENR Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Division, Soledad Sucaldito, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Corazon Estelita Beloria, OIC-Provincial Treasurer.