SP Approves the Regulation of Quarrying Mineral Resources

By: Rafael C. Mosuela, GPC-SP | Date: January 5, 2021

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The Provincial Government of La Union will now enforce the new ordinance on the regulation of extraction, disposition, utilization and processing of quarry and other mineral resources within the territorial jurisdiction and shall levy various taxes and fees in the Province of La Union. The ordinance was approved during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held on January 5, 2021.

Board Member Abraham P. Rimando, the author of the ordinance said, “The province may levy and collect not more than 10% of fair market value in the locality per cubic meter of ordinary stones, sand, gravel, earth, and other quarry resources, as defined under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, extracted from public lands or from the beds of seas, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and other public waters within its territorial jurisdiction,” as section 186 of the Local Government Code stated.

The permit to extract sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be issued exclusively by the provincial governor.

Subsequently, taxes collected under this ordinance except Governor’s Permit and other fees but limited only to sand and gravel, earth, and other quarry resources shall be shared as provided by the Local Government Code, which is 30 percent of the proceeds will go to the province, 30% to the city or municipality, and 40% to the barangay.

“Basically, this reinforces the mandate that we impose through our Environmental Code that the provincial government recognizes the right of the people to a healthy environment. It shall be the duty and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment,” Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega said.

According to OIC Provincial Treasurer Janet Molina, it will dramatically increase the collection of the province when this ordinance will be implemented. The said ordinance will take effect upon 15 days following the completion of its full posting and publication in a newspaper of general circulation.