LT vegetable traders, question 10% tax increase

February 10, 2018 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – The traders of La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post files a case against the Local Government Unit of La Trinidad questioning the revised revenue code of 2017, Ordinance No. 24-2017 stating the increase of taxes up to 10%.
The vendors signed a petition and forwarded it to the Department of Justice claiming that the local government of La Trinidad failed to inform them and at least have consulted them on the 10% increase.
On the other side, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda explained that it’s the duty of the Sangguniang Bayan to invite some of the representatives of the traders. He added that the Revenue code was studied for years by the councilors and had undergone Public Hearings and Consultations to see if it will benefit the municipality and businessmen.
The Revenue Code was crafted by the Sangguniang Bayan with the technical working group and was favored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan who reviews the ordinances of the municipalities.
It was said that the revenue code will be revised every 5 years according to the R.A. 7160
Under section 191. The latest revenue code was on 2005.
One of the vegetable traders said that they are still waiting for the decision of the Ombudsman before they will pay their taxes. KRISTINE MAE PASYAN, UB Intern / ABN