Malabon credits computerization for higher tax collection

With the leakage in its previous tax collection efforts efficiently plugged by computerizing critical revenue raising departments, Malabon officials reported yesterday that City Hall is well on its way not only to reach, but even surpass its targeted revenue take this year.

Mayor Tito Oreta said that from the results, he has been proven right in computerizing all the city government’s revenue-raising offices, particularly the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the City Treasury.

"If my financial advisers are telling me the truth, Malabon will not only be reaching, but even surpass our collection target of P530 million this year," Oreta said.

Citing a joint report submitted by the Management Information System Office (MISO) and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), Oreta said the key to the improved tax collection was the Digital Infrastructure Project (DIP) at City Hall.

The DIP is a program that employs the latest technology to further enhance the processing of taxpayers’ records and related transactions.

Although introduced early last year, the DIP only became fully operational in January this year. Even then, the program has far exceeded expectations, Oreta said.

MISO chief Kristina Oflear said the new system not only paved the way for improved collection, but also prevented abuse of discretion by tax officials and a whole slew of corrupt practices that have flourished through the years.

"Fixers are now a relic of the past. The computerization process has effectively eliminated all redundant and unnecessary layers in the processing of documents before they are approved. Delinquent taxpayers also can now be easily spotted and tracked down," Oflear said.

Since its implementation, the DIP has processed some 4,773 business permits, produced 5,335 tax order payments that has resulted in over P77,944,805, with a month and a half more to go before the end of the first quarter.

The figure reflects over 50 percent increase in tax collections for the same period last year. Original revenue target for the first quarter was P60 million. The city collected only P47 million last year.

Oreta said this positive development will not only enable the city government to efficiently deliver the basic services to the people, but also generate needed funds for the further development of the city.