Mandaue City threatens to close abattoir anew

Mandaue City is again going after Cebu City’s slaughterhouse which is located within Mandaue City.

Mandaue City Treasurer Regal Oliva sent a final demand letter, asking Cebu City to secure a mayor’s business permit for the slaughterhouse.

A Notice to Comply was already sent last July 30.

“Non-compliance therewith will constrain us to refer the matter to the City Legal Office, for immediate cessation and closure of business,” read Oliva’s letter dated August 14.

He gave the Cebu City Hall a non-extendable period of five working days  upon receipt of the letter to secure the  permit  for the abattoir. The letter was received yesterday.

For her part, Cebu City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said she will refer the matter to the Cebu City Legal Office for review before replying.

Cuevas said the Cebu City is expected to pay around P100,000 in fees to Mandaue City for operating  the slaughterhouse in the neighboring city.

But Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado is not sold to the idea of remitting taxes to Mandaue City.

Cebu City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo said that under the Local Government Code, real property taxes cannot be collected from real properties owned by a local government unit.

The issue between the two cities over the slaughterhouse has been going on since last year.

Mandaue City earlier threatened to close or auction off the property located in barangay Subangdaku.