SP passes new tax ordinance

Happy New Year?

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

THE SANGGUNIANG Panlalawigan has passed an ordinance amending the 2013 Revenue Code on December 16, effectively increasing all fees and charges being collected by the provincial government by 10 percent.

Sponsored by ex-officio board member Domingo Ambrocio Jr. and the committee on ways and means, provincial tax ordinance no. 2013-11-015 has been unanimously approved by all SP members and as such creates a significant increase in hospital fees, quarry fees, and rentals of provincial government-owned buildings among others.

With the recent upgrade and purchase of new equipment of provincial and district hospitals here, Dr. Juanito Chua, chief executive officer of the Ilocos Norte Hospital Management Council (INHMC) said there were new sources of income the INHMC has identified to be at par with neighboring hospitals particularly the Laoag City General Hospital and the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City.

According to Chua, most of the hospital fees and charges have increased while only a few were decreased based on cost analysis.

For example, he cited the new building at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital may now offer rentals for its conference hall, including the setting up of private clinic offices, and charges for additional procedures for ultrasound, radiology and laboratory.

“We are willing to straighten out the code but we need to justify the increase and serve its purpose within the bounds of the law,” said provincial board member Da Vinci M. Crisostomo who earlier demanded that a public hearing, inviting all those concerned are properly notified and informed particularly those living in rural areas who are most likely the ones availing the services of public hospitals.

Ambrocio pointed out a public hearing was earlier conducted, notifying concerned groups and organizations to voice out their concerns prior to the approval of the said ordinance.

By law, a revenue code can be amended once every five years except for rental fees which can be amended after a year or so, board member Vincentito M. Lazo explained.

Quarry fees and other rental fees and charges, including parking fees of government lots and properties such as the Rizal Amusement Park and Centennial Arena, Ferdinand E. Marcos stadium, Dap-ayan and Malacañang of the north were also amended.