'Some gov't execs insensitive to coops'

CEBU, Philippines — Some government officials are reportedly "insensitive" of the cooperatives' efforts to advance poverty eradication, food security, and ecological integrity through the practice of the universally-accepted and time-honored cooperative principles.

This prompted Coop-NATCCO Partylist Representative Sabiniano Canama to seek the support of all cooperative leaders in the country to help lobby significant House bills.

As the nation celebrates the Cooperative Month 2017, Canama recently met leaders of Cebu News Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and other cooperatives in Cebu for consultation, and to hear the cooperative sector's issues and concerns.

Canama said he has filed bills for the creation of the Cooperative Commission, Department of Cooperatives and other measures to strengthen the Cooperative Development Authority.

"My advocacy is to empower the marginalized," Canama said.

This year's celebration carries the theme: "COOPERATIVES: Empowering the Poor and the Vulnerable Towards Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development."

But Canama said the theme has been repeated so many times but until now there are no enabling laws due to "lack of appreciation by some government officials."

He cited the impending Comprehensive Tax Reform Program of the Duterte administration, which aims to lift the value-added tax (VAT) exemptions of the cooperatives.

The proposed measure was earlier approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means. But at the plenary, 158 congressmen signified their opposition to repeal the tax exemptions of cooperative provided by Republic Act 9520 or the Cooperative Code of 2008.

More than 300 coop leaders led by the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) were at the gallery of the House of Representatives when the bill was tackled, to support the campaign against the amendment.

Canama thanked the Cebu cooperative leaders for their support in putting pressure on lawmakers.

Only three lawmakers represent cooperatives in the House. They are Canama, Rep. Anthony Bravo of COOP-NATCCO Party-list, and Rep. Rico Geron of AGAP Party-list, who is also against the lifting of the tax exemption of cooperatives.

The proposed measure is still pending before the Senate.  (FREEMAN)