• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez has been asked to allot 50 percent of the amusement tax imposed on cockfighting activities to culture and arts programs of the highly-urbanized city.
The City is currently imposing a 10 percent amusement tax on gross total ticket sales of cockfighting activities, and this revenue “provides an opportunity to invest in and strengthen the cultural and arts programs,” stressed a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod recently.
“Enhancing cultural and artistic initiatives can foster creativity, community cohesion, and contribute to the city’s overall economic development,” said Councilor Em Ang, author of the resolution and the chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts.
She said the allotment should be kept in a Special Trust Fund and disbursed as per provisions of City Ordinance No. 413-2006, which establishes the Arts and Culture Council of Bacolod.
An initial P500,000 has been allocated for the first year implementation of the ordinance, and could be augmented, as needed. | CGC
