The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) conducted an info-session to raise awareness for the existence of JMC 2021-01 or the “Omnibus Guidelines on the Suspension of LGU Imposition and Collection of Illegal Fees and Taxes Relative to the Transport of Goods and Products”. This was due to several reports that some LGUs are still collecting pass-through fees and taxes from vehicles transporting goods despite several directives for its ban.
The JMC is issued for the purpose of reiterating the provisions of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2018-133 “to emphasize the limitations mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 on the taxing powers of LGUs, particularly various fees, taxes, and other charges on transporting goods carried into or out, or passing through, their respective territorial jurisdictions; and to provide additional directives for regulation on the part of ARTA, and provision of technical assistance to LGUs on the part of DOF-BLGF.”
ARTA Sec. Belgica expressed that “The info-session seeks to address the recurring illegal and unnecessary fees to the truckers and logistics partners. The JMC will help to carry and strengthen the logistics sector as it would eliminate unnecessary fees, and also shorten the time of transporting goods”.KJDA