One-stop shop collects P32.9M in taxes for city

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has collected P32.9 million in business taxes within five days at the one-stop shop in SM City Trade Hall.

The amount, however, is still way below the P5 billion target set by Mayor Michael Rama.

City treasurer Diwa Cuevas said they will work double time to achieve the target.

“Double time lang gyud and extra effort sa atong collection. Pero dili man gyud ta ingon nga makuha nato basta buhaton lang gyud namo among makaya,” she said, adding that the city government needs the honesty of business owners in paying their dues and obligations.

The City Treasurer’s Office has assessed 12,028 business establishments operating in the city. It is projected to give the city at least P354.8 million in business taxes.

So far, Cuevas said only 2, 674 business establishments have paid their tax dues.

Cuevas urged business owners to be truthful and prompt in paying taxes. The one-stop shop has been operational since January 5 and will end on January 23.

Cuevas said that those who fail to renew their permit after the scheduled dates will be asked to pay a two-percent interest per month and 25 percent surcharge and late securing fees.

She said that the city government can issue closure order of any business establishment that failed to renew after three consecutive notices.

“Dapat serious pud atong tax payers sa ilang pagbayad kay needed man pud sa city government ang taxes to fully operate its transactions,” she said.

Cuevas said that based on records there are almost 27,000 registered business owners in Cebu City.

Rama refused to comment on the initial amount collected yet, saying he needs to see the comparative report this year and that of last year. In the same period last year, the city government has collected P45.4 million with 3,413 business establishment that paid its dues.

Rama said that he asked city lawyer Jerone Castillo to form a group to go after tax evaders and another group who will look out on the possibility that people doing lending business should be paying taxes.

“Bring those who are in 5/6 kay they are so rich already but they do not pay taxes. Dili mana mahimo nga they get away from me. Tan-awn unsaon. They might be putting an office,” he said.

Rama said that 2015 is very active year in collecting funds for renewal of business permits, real property taxes, business taxes and regulatory fees to fund this year’s annual budget which is P13.4 billion.  (FREEMAN)