Talisay needs original tax receipts for evidence versus erring teller

Standing at the forefront of the investigation on the alleged malversation of public funds at the City Treasurer's Office, Talisay City councilor Serrie Restauro is asking those who have paid their taxes from January to March to come to the City Hall with their original tax receipts.

Restauro, chairman of the committee on public ethics and good governance, would like to use these original tax receipts in comparing with the duplicates or the copies being kept by the government for record purposes.

Councilor Allan Bucao exposed the alleged crime perpetuated by teller Rey Lumapas upon discovering that there was a discrepancy committed on the duplicate copy of the original tax receipt issued to one Dominga Geraldez, an employee of the Department of Agriculture-7.

After Geraldez paid P250 as professional tax fee, only P10 reportedly appeared on the duplicate copy. It was also indicated on the duplicate copy that the amount was for police clearance.

Both the council committee and the City Legal Office with its head lawyer Aurora Econg are doing parallel investigations on this case.

Meanwhile, the city council in its regular session yesterday recognized the move of Geraldez by passing a resolution, authored by Bucao, commending her in exposing Lumapas' offense "that might have been a practice many years now."

"Her action ensures public awareness and creates opportunity to rectify errors and misconduct," the resolution read. - Liv G. Campo