BACOLOD City — Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed all barangays in Bacolod City to immediately stop collecting unauthorized business-related fees, reinforcing compliance with the law and protecting local businesses from undue financial burden.
The directive, issued through Executive Order (EO) No. 8, Series of 2026, came in response to complaints from the business sector regarding illegal charges imposed during the processing of barangay clearances and other permits.
“Agud maproteksyunan ang aton business sector batok sa indi otorisado nga pagpanukot, gin-issue naton ini nga executive order,” Gasataya said, stressing that only taxes expressly allowed under the Local Government Code (LGC) may be collected.
Under the order, barangays are instructed to cease and desist from collecting so-called “barangay business taxes” and clearance fees that are not authorized by law.
The mayor emphasized that under Section 152 of the LGC, barangays may only impose taxes on small retailers with annual gross sales not exceeding P50,000, at a rate not higher than one percent.
Fees computed based on gross sales, receipts, or capital investment—particularly those required for securing barangay clearances—are considered beyond the scope of barangay authority.
Gasataya also directed barangays to amend or repeal existing ordinances and fee schedules that are inconsistent with national law.
The city government noted that several businesses have raised concerns over excessive and unauthorized collections, which have increased operational costs and complicated the permitting process.
The mayor appealed to barangay officials to work together in supporting the local economy, particularly in protecting the business sector that provides livelihood opportunities for residents.
“Ang ini nga mando ginapatuman indi lang agud masiguro ang patas kag mahapos nga pagnegosyo sa aton ciudad, kundi agud giyahan man ang aton mga opisyales nga makalikaw sa kaso administratibo ukon kriminal,” he added./PN
