Tax-free fire fighting equipment eyed for Lapu-Lapu

The Lapu-Lapu City council is seeking an exemption from paying Customs duties and taxes for fire fighting equipment to be donated by a foundation from the United States.

The council is making the request through the Department of Interior and Local Governments after the US-based foundation Gear Up informed Mayor Arturo Radaza that it was donating fire equipment to the city.

It was agreed that freight for the equipment would be shouldered by the foundation while the Customs duties and other fees would be shouldered by the city government, Councilor Alley Berdin said.

Berdin said the city does not have the money to pay for the duties and fees and is asking DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes to secure a tax exemption for the shipment from Malacañang.