By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered all barangays to immediately stop imposing unauthorized fees on businesses, reinforcing compliance with national law and aiming to create a fairer local economic environment.

In Executive Order No. 8, Gasataya directed barangay officials to cease the collection of so-called “barangay business taxes” and “clearance fees” that are not aligned with provisions of the Local Government Code of the Philippines.

The mayor emphasized that under Section 152 of the law, barangays are only allowed to levy taxes on businesses with annual gross sales or receipts not exceeding P50,000, with rates capped at one percent.

He also instructed barangays to amend existing ordinances to strictly comply with these limitations.

Gasataya said the directive is meant to protect businesses from excessive charges while guiding local officials to avoid potential administrative or criminal liabilities.

“This order is enforced not only to guarantee a fair and easy business environment but also to guide our officials to avoid possible administrative or criminal liabilities,” he said.

The mayor also called on barangay leaders to support the city’s economic recovery by safeguarding enterprises that generate jobs and livelihood opportunities, particularly as businesses continue to navigate ongoing challenges./CJ, WDJ