SC stops QC from collecting garbage fees

The local government of Quezon City has to temporarily stop collecting garbage fees ranging from P100 to P500 on domestic households.

 

This, after the Supreme Court granted a request to issue a temporary restraining order made by Jose Ferrer Jr., a resident of Kamias Road in Quezon City, last January 17 seeking a stop to the collection of garbage fees.

 

"SC 3d division issues TRO against QC new garbage fees. Reso not yet out. Ferrer v Bautista," said SC Public Information Office chief and spokesman Thedore Te in a text message.

 

Named respondents in Ferrer's petition were QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, the city council, city treasurer and city assessor.

 

Ferrer argued there was no need to collect a separate garbage fee from residents because this would amount to "double taxation," saying it is primary duty and function of the local government that should be funded by the various taxes already imposed on residents as well as its share from the internal revenue allotment.

 

Ferrer added that the garbage fee should already be covered by the city's revenue collection, which according to him amounted to P13.69 billion in 2012.

 

He said a small portion of the city revenues could be spent for garbage collection and other essential services. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ, GMA News