Abalos to NCR LGUs: Review ordinances to comply with ‘pass-through fees’ ban

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, during a Metro Manila Council meeting on Friday, urged the local chief executives of Metro Manila to review their revenue ordinances to ensure compliance WITH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive on the prohibition of "pass-through fees".

"This practice has to stop — in the name of public welfare, in the name of food security. There are of course other economic factors here that may be beyond our control. But the imposition of pass-through fees is certainly within our control. Kayang kaya natin ito kasama ang puwersa at suporta ng mga pamahalaang lokal," Abalos said.

He said ordinances covering not just the usual fees imposed on transporting goods but also similar fees like sticker fees, delivery fees, discharging fees, entry fees, et cetera should also be reviewed. "Pag-aralan natin, baka pwedeng i-rationalize muna."

Abalos also urged LCEs to ensure the strict compliance and participation of barangays in the implementation of EO 41. He added that according to reports reaching the DILG, various barangays across the country impose pass-through fees even in the communities.

"Marami sa mga nagpapatupad ng pass-through fees na ito ay mga barangay. Maliliit na paniningil, in various forms, pero pag pinagsama-sama mo ay malaki ang impact sa ating producers at nakakadagdag sa pagtaas ng presyo," he said.

He also thanked the Metro Manila Council and the Philippine Councilors League for issuing a resolution in support of EO 41.