TOP OF THE WEEK City eyes higher taxes for gasoline stations May 25, 2014 Branding the City’s Omnibus Tax Ordinance as obsolete, Councilor Jose Victor Imbo is pushing an amendment to the measure “as one of the strategies to augment the income generation” of Dumaguete City. Hence, there is a proposal to increase the tax rates and regulatory fees for gasoline filling stations. The proposed ordinance is on second reading. Based on the proposal from Councilor Imbo the following fixed taxes for gas stations shall be the following: for annual tax from P 2,000 to P 5,000; for Mayor’s permit from P 1,000 to P2, 000 and fuel pumps per unit P 75.00 to P 2,000. A public hearing was called but Councilor Antonio Remollo lamented the absence of many owners of gasoline stations. He called for a second round of hearing. Remollo is opposing the proposed tax increase for being exorbitant. Instead, Remollo introduced the idea of imposing moratorium on granting permits for additional gas station in the heart of the city which mushroomed to over 30. However, permits should be granted for gas stations outside of the city center. At present, additional applications for construction of gas stations were denied because of zoning limitations. (By Dems Demecillo) City eyes higher taxes for gasoline stations - NegrosChronicle.com
