Pay taxes, cut red tape, says mayor

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama last night asked businesses to  pay the correct taxes and be ready to “pay more.”

In turn, he promised that his administration would spend tax collection  on services, reduce red tape, and reduce  processing time for the renewal and application of business permits to 30 minutes.

“Can we do this Ofelia (Oliva)? Emma (Villarete)?”

Rama directed his challenge to cut red tape in business  permits to Oliva, his financial adviser, and Villarete, his designated  officer in charge of the city treasury.

He had both women join him and  department heads  on stage in handing out awards to  70 top taxpayers, whom the city  government recognized in a dinner awards ceremony at the ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

The top taxpayers included SM Prime Holdings, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Visayan Electric Co., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Sykes Asia Inc., Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Cebu City Marriott Hotel and Vicsal Development Corp.

The mayor’s appeal to pay “more taxes” referred to plans next year to tighten collection and to reassess property classification  after a tax-mapping campaign.

Last night’s event was less lavish than the previous year’s after the City Council reduced its  budget to  P1.2 million or half the original amount for the affair.

“What Cebu is today was achieved because we have a strong and supportive private sector,” said Mayor Rama.

He said he has been tapping private sector support for help since he was first elected to office as city councilor in 1992.

Rama said that to repay the private sector for its support, he would make sure that taxes paid to the  government will not be wasted.

Not a single centavo of tax money will go to his pocket, Rama vowed.

“If you are seeing light (from street lamps), it’s because taxpayers are paying their taxes,” he said.

Rama also ask the public to report to him any complaint of overcollection or dishonest collectors.

“Let me know who are collecting wrongly, who are collecting money out of their position,” he said.

The mayor said that as much as possible, he wants  his administration to have good relations with the business community.

“Taxpayers, pay your taxes. Believe in your government.  Let us be one towards a beautiful tomorrow,” Rama said.

City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo stayed at the organizers’ table  near the entrance of the hotel ballroom.

The mayor has already sought her  replacement  for loss of trust and confidence, and  recommended Oliva, Villarete and Nonina Paeres as possible replacements.

The  Bureau of Local Government Finance has yet to officially name a new city treasurer.