P10 fee in markets takes effect
MARKET Superintendent Vincent de la Cruz yesterday clarified the P10 collected from public utility jeepney drivers whom are using markets as parking area is governed by Ordinance 316-2009 or the Slaughterhouse and Market Code.
De la Cruz made the clarification after several drivers plying the towns Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel questioned the tax collection effort implemented by the market in-charge of Jaro big market on the jeepney drivers.
Earlier, the drivers led by Big Boy Juarez said the implementation of the ordinance was not fully discussed to them by Nida Guillergan, market-in-charge of the Jaro big market when the later called for a meeting last December 28, 2009. The drivers thought it was just a proposal.
The drivers were then asking if they could only be charged of P10 per day and not per trip. The P10 is an added expenses and deduction to their daily income.
De la Cruz explained the amount collected from the jeepney drivers is considered as “parking fee.’ The ordinance takes effect this year. The drivers were issued corresponding cash ticket as proofs of their payment. Plate numbers as well as their respective route are written in the cash tickets to legitimize their payment.
As mandated by the ordinance, the provincial jeepney drivers using city’s markets as parking area should pay P10 per trip. The same is implemented in all markets not only in the Jaro big market.
De la Cruz added the drivers asked for reconsiderations over the tax collection effort of the city. The market in-charge could not stop its implementation since it an ordinance. It requires an amendment from the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
He added that if the drivers are discontented with the ordinance, they could write or seek audience with the members of the legislative body in amending the ordinance. The ordinance should be implemented meantime that there is no amendment, said De la Cruz.
The ordinance was approved September 2009. Its implementation started January 2010. The implementation of the ordinance is discussed in yesterday’s meeting with the different market in-charge, said De la Cruz.
