Recto wants hike in gov’t fees stopped

MINORITY Leader Ralph Recto proposed yesterday the imposition of a six-year moratorium on increases in fees for permits, passports, driver’s licenses and other government documents.

Recto, who has filed a bill to put the moratorium in effect, said it was intended to spare Filipinos from paying for inefficient service and to “provide relief for our countrymen who can barely afford to avail of these services.”

The halt in the fee increases should be made as the government works on improving systems and procedures for better and more efficient delivery of government services, he said.

“There have been numerous reports on the delays in the processing of clearances and in the release of documents and licenses. In the light of these criticisms regarding inadequate government services and coupled with the escalating increases in the cost of living, increasing the current rates for these fees and charges is not justifiable,” he said in a statement.

He noted that the national government and local government units have been collecting more than P53 billion annually from fees derived from the issuance of various licenses and permits, the regulation of the different professions and the issuance of passports, among others.

“The efficiency of our government employees in the collection of these fees and charges is truly admirable. It is our sincerest hope that they also show the same level of zealous efficiency in the delivery of these services,” he said.

Recto said his call for a moratorium does not mean that government agencies should no longer grant refunds when warranted, such as in the case of car registration stickers which have not been delivered.