Council seeks ‘more proportionate’ garbage fees

CEBU, Philippines —  Some members of the Cebu City Council have asked the City Treasurer’s Office to come up with “a more proportionate scheme” on its proposed adjustments in the garbage collection fees in line with the revision of the city’s tax code.

As the public hearing on the proposed ordinance for a revised revenue code continued on Monday, city councilors noted several things to consider in relation to the garbage issue.

Councilor Mary Anne Delos Santos pointed out the “big disparity” in the garbage collection fee per area.

“Dako kaayo og disparity.  Kung dako ang land area, you are only adding P2,000, while those who have small land area pay P3,000 more. We need to get the wisdom out of this,” said Delos Santos.

While Delos Santos was more focused on the land area and its corresponding proposed increase in collection fees, Councilor Joel Garganera, for his part, emphasized increasing garbage collection fees for establishments that produce more garbage as well, like restaurants and other food outlets.

“They produce so much garbage every day and yet they are only paying so little based on your proposed increase. I think they should be given a more reasonable increase as well,” Garganera said.

Councilor Jerry Guardo also added that aside from these food establishments, malls should also have bigger fees as they also produce more garbage, plus their respective locations.

Councilor Philip Zafra suggested that organizers of events should also pay a garbage collection fee during their permit application.

“Naka-notice man gud ko nga with more big events coming and with the last event, daghan kaayong garbage nga na-collect, unya dili raba sila ang manglimpyo. So I think this should also be included as well,” said Zafra.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, chairman of the committee on budget and finance, agreed that there should be a more proportionate scheme in relation to the garbage collection fees.

He said he will revisit the proposal and help craft a better scheme for it.

Wenceslao earlier said he will review the regulatory fees for garbage collection because, according to him, they have not been updated, specifically among commercial and residential establishments.

He said that if the fees are properly set and implemented, more funds will come into the city’s coffers.

City Treasurer Ivy Reyes, who presented the proposed increase in the garbage collection fees, among others, also assured to review the office’s proposal.  -  Sanden J. Anadia, JMD (FREEMAN)