The Pampanga provincial government is stepping in to help resolve the dispute between the Porac local government and quarry haulers after around 40 quarry operators and 850 haulers halted operations on Friday night.

According to Capitol officials, the issue began after Porac Mayor Jing Capil implemented a new ecological tax scheme. Data from the province showed that the ecological tax is now set at P100 per 12-cubic-meter truckload.

The ecological tax is part of a new municipal ordinance that increases fees for quarry haulers, particularly larger trucks such as 16-wheelers and 18-wheelers. However, KALAM Quarry Operations overall head Engr. Romeo Dungca Jr. said the Porac LGU has not formally informed the Capitol about the new measure.

At present, the 40-30-30 sand tax sharing scheme remains in effect among the barangay, city/town, and province. This setup is based on the Provincial Government’s fees: P250 administrative fee, P150 sand tax, and P30 weighing scale fee.