G.R. No. 192945. September 5, 2012
PERLAS-BERNABE, J. FACTS:
Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO), an electric cooperative organized under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 269 and registered with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), is engaged in the business of electric power distribution to various end-users and consumers within the City of Iriga and the municipalities of Nabua, Bato, Baao, Buhi, Bula and Balatan of the Province of Camarines Sur (or the Rinconada area). Petitioner City of Iriga assessed CASURECO deficiency franchise tax and real property taxes covering the periods 1998 to 2003 and 1995 to 2003, respectively. CASURECO refused to pay and argued that as an electric cooperative provisionally registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), it is exempt from the payment of local taxes.