Makati tax evaders hit

The Makati City government loses almost P100 million in lessors’ taxes as a result of rampant tax evasion by many homeowners in the city’s exclusive subdivisions.

Mayor Jejomar Binay claimed that the city’s collection of P94.8 million in lessors’ taxes last year should be more than double this year as it institutes stringent measures against tax evasion.

He cited City Ordinance No. 2001-08 which requires all owners and administrators of lands in Makati to submit sworn declarations of whether or not their properties are being leased out or rented to others.

The ordinance was created after the city government received reports of rampant cheating by homeowners on the lessors’ tax.

The city assessors also find it hard to determine the status of the houses in the villages because of the refusal of those concerned to let them enter.

On the other hand, Binay commended the Development Bank of the Philippines for being the first institution to comply with the ordinance since it was enacted last year.

In a letter to DBP vice president Eduardo Mendoza, Binay expressed his gratitude to the bank for disclosing the status of its properties to the city government.

On Tuesday, Binay hit back at his critics from the business sector with a call for recognition of the accomplishments made by the city government under his leadership.

Speaking before the first Rotary Club of Makati meeting at the Manila Peninsula , Binay trained his guns on the influential business groups identified under the title of civil society after receiving his fair share of criticism over the years.

"Ironically, it is some of our very own, the self-righteous, know-it-all Makati businessmen, who deliberately ignore these achievements and successes and instead want to take credit for Makati’s development all for themselves," Binay said. – Marvin Sy