Some Capitol bill transactions now digital

CEBU, Philippines — Taxpayers and residents can now pay taxes and other government-related fees faster and more conveniently as the Cebu Provincial Government begins implementing online payments as part of

Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s push to streamline internal processes at the Capitol.

The new system allows taxpayers and residents to settle various government obligations online, eliminating the need to personally visit Capitol offices and wait in long queues.

Among the transactions now covered under the online payment platform are transfer tax, real property tax, sand and gravel fees, Governor’s Permit payments, franchise tax, professional tax, rental fees, penalties, and taxes for delivery trucks and vans.

The Capitol also opened online payment channels for electricity bills in Malapascua Island, where the provincial government operates generator services.

This also includes water bill payments for residents covered by the Capitol’s Inter-LGU Waterworks System in Carmen and Moalboal.

Paulo Uy, head of the Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Office, said the initiative is part of the province’s broader effort to modernize government services and make transactions more convenient for the public.

“Giuna gyud nato ang digital payment kay daghan man gud kaayo og mga basic times nga mobayad sila niya di sila [kabayad] tungod sa kadaghan sa mga tawo,” said Uy.

He added that the online platform is expected to help streamline transactions, lessen congestion in payment centers, and provide a more efficient and accessible system for the public.

Under the new setup, users only need to open a certain electronic payment application and proceed to the “Bills” section before searching for the “Province of Cebu” payment portal.

Taxpayers may then choose from the available categories depending on the type of transaction they intend to pay.

For taxes, fees, and penalties, users are instructed to select the designated payment option and enter the amount reflected in their order of payment.

After selecting the transaction type, users must provide the order of payment reference number, payer’s name, and contact details before reviewing the information and completing the transaction through the same electronic wallet.

The online payment platform also includes a separate category for electricity bill payments intended for residents of Malapascua Island.

Consumers are required to enter details such as the billing amount, account number, account name, and contact information before finalizing the payment.

Another category is dedicated to water bill payments for residents of Carmen and Moalboal under the Capitol’s Inter-LGU Waterworks System.

The same process applies to water bill payments, where users need to indicate the amount due and provide the required account information before proceeding with payment confirmation.

Uy said the digital payment system is aimed at reducing the inconvenience traditionally associated with manual government transactions.

Through the new setup, taxpayers and residents can settle obligations without the need to travel to payment centers or bring cash for transactions.

The Capitol’s digital payment initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and efficiency in public service delivery through the use of technology.

“It’s the queuing that we are trying to minimize. Mogamay na ang tawo nga maghuwat diha sa ubos [cashier] labina karong init kaayo,” he said.

According to Uy, efforts leading to the launch of the initiative started as early as November last year.

“Actually, I am happy nga ang Provincial Board…paspas sad gyud sila niaksyon,” Uy said, noting how quickly the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the resolution.

Aside from this, the Capitol had to go through legal procedures and submit the required documents as part of compliance, including a certain verification process.

He added that to safeguard digital payments, the partnered e-wallet company will provide a transaction summary and transaction number that payers can use as proof of payment.

“Every night naa tay madawat nga transaction summary..telling us nga mao ni ang forms of payment nadawat. As a payer, makita pud didto ang transaction number nga pwedeng i-screenshot,” said Uy.

Moving forward, the Capitol is also looking to partner with other providers and another private company that has also shown interest in being part of the payment options.

The provincial government, through its official Facebook page, has also released a step-by-step video guide to help users navigate the online payment process and ensure smoother transactions for taxpayers and utility consumers across Cebu Province. — Jhiezel Jane Camarillo, and Jona Mariel Apurado, CNU Interns (FREEMAN)