LGUs lure ‘early bird’ taxpayers with freebies

Local governments in southern Metro Manila have gone the extra mile to attract early birds among taxpayers, who would otherwise endure long lines or face penalties if they delay settling their obligations for a few more days.

Taguig City has set up a “BOSS” or business one-stop shop at the city hall auditorium in Barangay Ususan and at the city hall satellite office on the 9th floor of SM Aura, both operating up to Jan. 18, including weekends.

Treats while waiting

Business owners waiting for their documents to be processed are treated to a free massage, free film showing and refreshments.

“Taxes are the lifeblood of the city’s programs and social services,” Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head Fanella Joy Panga-Cruz said in a statement. “The more taxes we collect from the business community, the more we can provide services to residents.”

In Muntinlupa, the local government recognized the first five business owners who came to renew their permits as early as Jan. 3.

They were Josielyn Cabalza-Daez (EJD Softdrinks), Carlito de Guzman (Lito and Lani Food Haus), Cesar Bronola Lastrilla (Mercy Salon), Cherrie Flores (Mini-Mini Store) and Ma. Pinky Lynsey (MPLG Begona Trading).

The five business owners each received a bag of groceries and certificates of recognition from Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, who cited them as “role models.”

Free rides

Free shuttle services are also being provided up to Jan. 20 for business permit applicants who need to go to the BPLO in Tunasan. The vehicles can pick them up at the city hall quadrangle or the city public market in Alabang.

Muntinlupa considers itself the pioneer of the Single Window Transaction (SWIT) system for applying and renewing business permits, where the process is expected to take less than 30 minutes at a single counter with just one staff member involved, and with closed-circuit television cameras in place for security and transparency.

In Makati City, the first 200 business taxpayers per day will get free lunch from Jan. 8 to 19.

And for those who won’t make it to this cut-off number, there’s still free-flowing coffee and biscuits.

Longer office hours

Makati’s BPLO will also be open to serve taxpayers on weekends and beyond regular office hours until Jan. 20.

From Monday to Friday (Jan. 8-12, 15-19), it will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 13, 14, and 20), office hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The city government reminded taxpayers that late payments would incur a 25-percent surcharge and a 2-percent penalty per month until the amount due is settled.