CCUVA denies over-collection from Carbon market vendors

Pino, who represents nearly 40 vendor groups under the CCUVA umbrella, reminded the council that associations are recognized under Article 13 of the Constitution as people's organizations authorized to collect membership dues approved by their respective general assemblies.

- with Preciosa Bacalso/FPL

“Kun imong tan-awn ang association, we are covered by our Constitution. Ang people’s organization makakolekta og dues, basta adunay guidelines ug klaro ang paggasto niini,” she said during the council's executive session.

She explained that membership dues finance association activities, provide relief assistance during emergencies, and even pay street sweepers who supplement the city's limited sanitation workforce.

"...dues mao nay gigasto sa sweldo sa mga kaminero nga naglimpyo sa Carbon. Ang association nitabang sa pagpanglimpyo, naghatag bugas sa panahon sa kalisod, ug motabang sa mga biktima sa linog ug bagyo,” she added.

Responding to allegations that vendors are paying between P300 and P420 daily, Pino clarified that the amount represents a combination of government fees, association dues and payments for private services, making the total appear larger than what associations actually collect.

“Dili tanang bayranan ba toa sa association. Lain-lain nga bayranan giusa para modako. Sa among grupo, naa’y P10, naa’y P20 depende sa nasabutan sa ilang asosasyon,” she said.

She stressed that charges for services such as tent rentals, lantay, and electricity connections are optional.