PROPOSED RESOLUTION

TO URGE THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT NOT TO INCREASE FEES AND CHARGES ON GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS AS THIS WOULD ADD BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE AND MAKE PUBLIC SERVICE INACCESSIBLE TO CITIZENS

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Introduced by Hon. Peter T. Laviña

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the government to enhance and promote citizens’ participation and provide accessible and affordable public service;

WHEREAS, the government targets to balance the budget in 2008, and this year it plans to reduce the budget deficit to P64 billion from as high as P180 billion in 2005;

WHEREAS, during the first half of this year, there is revenue shortfall of P6.4 billion and the national government is missing on its target to narrow the budget deficit;

WHEREAS, to meet its goal, the national government is planning to sell assets and increase fees and charges on national government transactions;

WHEREAS, an example of this plan is on the transport sector with common carrier fees increasing from P288 to P7,004 for Metro Manila jeepney operators, P144 to P3,948 for provincial jeepney operators; from P432-864 to P11,832-23,652 depending on bus sizes for bus operators; and from P432 to P11,832 for Metro Manila taxi operators and P288 to P7,884 for provincial taxi operators;

WHEREAS, such increase in fees and charges would add burden on the people and exorbitant fees and charges are anti-democratic and would hinder people from accessing public service;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, to urge the national government not to increase fees and charges on government transactions as this would add burden on the people and make public service inaccessible to citizens;

RESOLVED further that copies of this Resolution be furnished the City Mayor, the Department of Finance, the Department of Interior and Local Government and all others interested for their information and guidance.