Iloilo mayors appear as 'witnesses' before SP hearing on revenue code amendment
Iloilo mayors appeared yesterday as resource persons cum witnesses of ongoing marathon hearing relative to amendments sought on Iloilo's revenue code.
With the issuance of quarry permits by the Iloilo Provincial Government as specific area of concern for the local chief executives, Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr. led anew the committee investigation.
Assigned committees are the Committee on Ways and Means and Committee on Economic Affairs and Investment. Both are chaired by Defensor Jr. with Fifth District Board Member Jett Rojas as vice chair.
The matter on quarry permit issuance is one of the major points that await resolution in the revenue code amendment. Earlier hearings called on various Capitol chiefs who were asked to make a report on millions in revenues generated by the Capitol based on existing system of revenue collection.
Further still, the committee as expected, 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.
Among the mayor spotted in yesterday's hearing were Januiay Mayor Ben Margarico, Santa Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino, Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon, Anilao Mayor Teresa Debuque, Sara Mayor Ermelita Salcedo, Pototan Mayor Pablo Perez and Barotac Nuevo Mayor Hernan Biron Sr.
Also present were Lemery Mayor Mildred Chavez, Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao, Bingawan Mayor Matt Palabrica, Dingle Mayor Rufino Palabrica III and Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta.
Previous hearings likewise heard the inputs from government's environment officials mainly coming from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).