Lawyers, Capitol clash

The Cebu Lawyers for Unity and Brotherhood (CLUB) yesterday started presenting its argument before the court against the collection of parking fees by the Provincial Government at the Capitol compound and the installation of surveillance camera across the Integrated Bar of the Philippines building.

CLUB president Edgar Gica told the court the collection of parking fees at the Capitol compound was illegal, saying that it was not supported with a valid taxing ordinance.

Gica, one of the petitioners in the civil case for injunction against the provincial government, said the ordinance creating the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council did not authorize the collection of parking fees.

He explained that the creation of the EEC is not a valid taxing ordinance, which is mandated under the law before a Local Government Unit can collect fees and other revenues.

Gica also questioned the use of cash receipts which he described as similar to those given to market vendors. He said the computer-generated receipts that are given to motorists who use the parking area do not also indicate that it is the government that is collecting the fees. It appears that the private company, Mandaue Integrated Manpower Services (MIMS) is the one collecting the fees, he added.

If the fees are considered public funds, Gica said the person collecting it should be an accountable person under the government auditing rules.

He argued that he doubts if the personnel assigned to collect the fees are accountable persons, who have put up cash bond as required by law.

Meanwhile, Gica said the putting up of a surveillance camera at the Capitol compound including at the IBP building is already described by the Supreme Court as immoral and a violation of the individuals’ right to privacy. — Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)