The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is looking into allegations there are local government units (LGU) still collecting unauthorized pass-through fees and taxes from vehicles transporting goods despite a national government directive to cease such acts.

ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica in a statement said they launched inspections right after Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-01 was issued last April 28.

“Sa pag-iikot po ng aming (During inspection by our) investigation team, nakita po na may mga sumusuway pa rin sa (we saw violations of) JMC,” Belgica said in a virtual dialogue with members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on May 17.

ARTA said its members continue to make the rounds of LGUs to conduct investigations. After the rounds, ARTA, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Finance’s (DOF) Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), will meet with the different LGUs to explain and exact cooperation from them on the implementation of JMC 2021-01.

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