NEWS BRIEFS

Taxes

THE Cebu City Council is calling the attention of Punta barangay officials against the imposition of taxes on trisikad, tricycle and multicab drivers plying the barangay roads.
Councilor Edgar Labella, chairman of the council committee on laws, said that was already “beyond” the barangay’s taxing powers.

“The authority to regulate the operation of tricycles and grant franchises for the operation thereof within the territorial jurisdiction of a local government unit resides in the Sanguniang Panlungsod, not within the Sanguniang Barangay,” said Labella’s April 27 report to the council.

To raise revenues for basic services to their constituents, the Punta Princesa barangay council led by captain Jose Navarro passed an ordinance that authorizes the barangay to impose taxes and collect fees from retailers, barangay and business clearance application including taxes on tricycles, trisikads and motorcycles for hire.
They even wanted to collect a P10 tax from multicabs using barangay Punta roads. /Correspondent Edison A. Delos Angeles

Suroy-suroy

SAYING that imitation is a supreme compliment, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she was offering her assistance and share her experience and knowledge from the Suroy-Suroy program to the local government unit in Luzon that was planning to imitate the program.

Garcia said on Wednesday that she would be willing to share her knowledge, experience and ideas about the program.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is a unique package that brings tourism to the countryside. It highlights the province of Cebu as a premier destination by showcasing its culture through dance, music, and arts. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus