A backhoe loads dumptruck with sand in one of Pampanga’s quarry sites. File Photo
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— Some P32 million was added to the provincial coffers within 11 days of the resumption of quarrying operations in Pampanga.
In a report to Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, the quarry committee KALAM (Kapampangan a Lulugud at Matapat) said a total of P32.06 million in taxes and fees was collected from May 18 to 29.
“Capitol is earning income from our quarry collections. That income, which is put into our general fund, increases our funds for services including our efforts to control the spread of coronavirus and give support to families who have lost their sources of income during this crisis,” Pineda explained.
The Capitol imposes a P150-sand tax on regular-sized trucks. This amount is distributed to the barangay, town or city, and province at 40-30-30 percent sharing as mandated by RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991).
On top of this, the Capitol charges another P250 as administrative fee to cover field regulation and monitoring.
Under Pineda, quarry collections averaged P50 million per month, running at P404.14 million from July 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.
In February, collections topped P57.120 million.
For March, quarry revenues reached P32.22 million by the time the province was placed under enhanced community quarantine, effectively stopping all quarry operations. Estimated losses since then until the recent resumption of quarry hauling was placed at P100 million.
Pineda expressed optimism that even as Pampanga’sshares from national taxes will be minimal next year due to the impact of Covid–19 on the economy, “Capitol’s quarry income will help us through.” With Office of the Governor
