By PR | 07:16 AM August 05, 2022
Governor Aris Aumentado hosted a meeting with the quarry operators from the Bohol Small Scale Miners Association, led by the association President Mr. Eduard Labunog.
The meeting discussed the concerns about their operations on Wednesday (August 3) at the CPG Hall of the Bohol Capitol Building.
Together, with Bohol Mineral Resources Regulatory Office (BMinRRO) Acting Head Engr. Ana Luisa E. Galicinao, the governor asked them to reduce the prices of different quarry products, especially limestone, as early as next week.
Emphasizing that “Ivan”, a so-called broker, who extorted quarry operators in exchange for faster processing of permits during the previous administration, is already non-existent in his administration, it would be unnecessary for them to put the burden of markup on their customers.
When asked over whether or not “Ivan” really existed, permittees in the meeting acknowledged the presence of the said individual, and one such operator explained that he has to pay Php 493,000 to “Ivan” based on the volume applied at a rate of Php 32.00 per cubic meter in exchange for the approval of his permit.
Because of the extortion activities conducted by the said individual, they have to add Php 32.00 per cubic meter on their aggregates for their quarry application to be approved and/or delivery receipts to be issued.
After some discussions regarding the reduction of prices of aggregates, including some concerns about the high price of gasoline products, the permittees agreed on the said reduction. Other matters are also discussed, such as the renewal of pertinent documents and documents, new regulations on excise tax set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the reporting of illegal quarry operators.
Government Aumentado assured them of his support for their legal operations, while also asking for assistance in ensuring transparency in any transactions.
“Willing mi mutabang, tabangi lang sad mi (We are willing to help, but (please) help us too),” the local chief executive said. (PR)
