BORACAY WATER TAX

The Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) is planning to renew negotiations with the Ayala water utility firm over water the collection of taxes in the world renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.  Merlene Aborka, PENRO chief for technical operations, said that previous negotiations with the Ayala group fizzled out due to legality issues. Lawyers of the Ayala group reportedly asked for parameters regarding water tax assessment in this resort island.  “Currently, we are studying the Local Government Code on how we could effectively collect water usage tax from the Ayala group,” said Aborka. The Ayala water distribution firm, which operates in the island resort, is planning to expand its services to other municipalities in Aklan.