Subd Cmte to conduct public hearing on proposed law revising schedule of fees for subd projects

THE City Council Committee on Subdivision and Landed Estate chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas is set to conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance revising the schedule of fees for subdivision project.

The proposed ordinance includes the provision of fees and tax exemptions to socialized and economic housing projects, as endorsed by the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD).

During the meeting, Mr. Rey Niog, representative of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), said that from year 2013, DHSUD proposed for the increase of fees, but still pending in the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval. Many local government units are clamoring for the upgrading of the schedule of fees, he said.

According to Mr. Cesar Pagapula-an, Jr. of the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD), the city is still adopting the 2005 ordinance.

For his part, Councilor Aga Suan cited that the committee should conduct a public hearing to ensure that the opinions of stakeholders are well taken to finalize the revised schedule of fees for subdivision projects.

“Anything that would relate to an increase, may it be taxes (or) fees, it is necessary that we have to call … (for) a public hearing,” said Councilor Suan.

Invitations should be sent out in batches, he added.

With this, the committee will invite first the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) to attend the public hearing that is scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time.

Councilors Roger G. Abaday, Joey S. Abbu and Aga Suan were also present during the meeting.