Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 7) — The provincial government of Eastern Samar called on six mining firms to settle taxes to host local government units (LGUs) and implement environmental and social protection by the end of this year or face possible closure.
Citing data, Provincial Treasurer Antonia Macawile said five of the mining companies have unpaid real property taxes (RPT) totaling ₱133.86 million based on “the aggregate volumes listed in their chromite and nickel ore stocks transport permits (OTPs).”
“If you continue to do that (non-compliance), I will be compelled to issue a position paper to oppose, if not to ask for the cancellation of, your MPSAs (Mineral Production Sharing Agreements),” Governor Ben Evardone said in a statement on Tuesday.
Provincial Legal Officer Eden Ivy Rose Balagasay said the companies refused to pay RPT arrears on the “ludicrous excuse” that paying it to the LGUs would double excise taxes paid to the national government (NG).
Balagasay explained that firms are required to pay “excise taxes to the NG in return for the chromite that they have been extracting from Homonhon Island” while they are also required to pay RPT to the host LGU based on Manual on Real Property Appraisal and Assessment Operations that was issued by the Environment Department and provincial ordinance.
Evardone said the unpaid taxed “will go a long way in funding development projects like roads, school buildings and water supply facilities for us Estehanons.”
The governor said he is also seeking to probe the miners on their compliance with labor laws on government benefits, such as providing their employees access to insurance, and their socio-economic development and health programs for locals.
