Mangudadatu to sign Maguindanao's revised revenue code

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu will sign on Monday the Maguindanao Revised Revenue Code of 2014, an improved version of a previous ordinance that has never been updated for 30 years.

Mangudadatu, now in his second term as provincial governor, said he is thankful to the provincial board, chaired by Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat, for supporting his bid to have the old provincial revenue code upgraded.

“This ordinance will certainly enhance the revenue-generation capability of the provincial government,” Mangudadatu said.

Lawyer Bobby Katambak, chairman of the finance and appropriations committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said the code will cover amusement, professional, business and real property taxes.

“It will also be applied to income generated by the sand and lime soil quarries in the province,” Katambak said.

Katambak said the provincial board did not hesitate to improve the old revenue code owing to the importance of generating revenues needed to sustain the operations of the provincial government.

“Gov. Mangudadatu is keen on making Maguindanao an income sufficient province,” Katambak said.

Katambak said the provincial government will tap the support of leaders of different sectors in disseminating the intricacies of the revised revenue code.

He said the ordinance, once approved by the governor, will become enforceable after publication by a local newspaper.

Mangudadatu said they will also involve the business community in the formulation of measures meant to simplify the enforcement of the ordinance.

Mangudadatu said the league of mayors in Maguindanao, which has 36 towns, will also help educate the public on the importance of the revenue code.