Manila foresees record collection

The city government of Manila has surpassed its tax collections in the first two months of the year from the same period of last year and foresees "record high" increases in collection of internally generated revenues.

In a report to Mayor Lito Atienza, Manila City Treasurer Liberty Toledo said internally generated revenues collected from Jan. 3 to Feb. 28 amounted to P1.9 billion, a 24.3 percent increase from last year’s collection P1.55 billion.

Toledo said the "record" increases would bankroll the local government’s delivery of services under the Buhayin and Maynila program.

"We commend all Manileños who unfailingly pay their taxes as a reflection of their trust and confidence in our development programs as its gains are now being enjoyed by the public all over the city," Atienza said.

The nation’s capital posted a 13.91 percent increase in their business taxes. From the 2004 collection of P931 million, business tax collection rose to P1.06 billion during the first two months of 2005.

Real estate taxes grew from P280 million last year to P523 million in the same period this year, an increase of by 86.42 percent .

"The innovations and revolutionary measures that the city government introduced in the past years to make Manila more business friendly are definitely paying off," he said.

City hall has provided taxpayers with not only a faster computerized payment system, but also more comfortable taxpayer’s lounges.

Taxpayers are also given hot and cold beverages, while a wide television screen keeps them occupied. Special amenities and services are also provided for by courteous staff and personnel.