Mining bill for LGUs urged

By MADEL R. SABATER
Manila Bulletin
Sunday, May 4, 2008


Mining experts are pushing for the enactment of the "Domogan Bill," which would enable taxes to be given directly to the local government units (LGUs) who, they said, should also benefit from mining operations in their area.

In a media awareness seminar on the mining and minerals industry the other day, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Mineral Economics, Information, and Publications Chief Engineer Glenn Marcelo Noble said they are pushing for the enactment of the "Domogan Bill" for the benefit of LGUs. Its enactment is one of the plans of action of MGB.

The Domogan Bill, House Bill 3993, filed by Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan, seeks the automatic retention of the local government shares in mining taxes, fees, and royalties.

The bill has already certified as urgent by President Arroyo as it is expected to encourage more LGUs to support mining operations while being vigilant as watchdogs for irresponsible mining.

"We want it to be passed because LGUs are hardly getting their share from the national government," Noble said.

Noble said that it usually takes a minimum of two years before LGUs get their share of mining taxes, fees, and royalties from the national coffers. Sometimes, LGUs that are unaware of their benefits do not get to claim their share at all.

"It is a very lengthy process," he added.

"The bill aims for the retention of the LGUs’ share from the national wealth," Noble said.

"Hopefully, this bill will facilitate remittance of (mining) shares to the LGUs."

Mining is one of the priority sectors for research and development (R&D) by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), particularly its Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD).