Fil-Chinese business group backs QC tax hike

MANILA, Philippines - An organization of Filipino-Chinese businessmen has expressed support for the decision of the Quezon City government to raise business taxes, a move described by another business group as “oppressive and excessive.”

Daniel Ching, executive vice president of the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen Inc., said they understand the need to raise taxes due to increasing costs of providing services to residents.

“We can see the quality service provided by the Quezon City government to the residents, so we are willing and we understand,” Ching told The STAR at the sidelines of the New Year celebration at the city’s Chinatown on Friday.

Earlier, the Quezon City chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) warned of business shutdown following the implementation of the 10-percent increase in business taxes.

Carl Balita, PCCI Quezon City chapter president, described the tax hike as “oppressive and excessive” and called for its suspension or at least gradual implementation.

First district Councilor Victor Ferrer, the author of the ordinance, said he is currently reviewing the proposal of those opposing the tax hike.

City administrator Aldrin Cuña said the local government is confident that the city’s economy will continue to improve despite the tax hike. He said it is long overdue as the last increase was implemented in 2001.

Belmonte plans to develop Chinatown

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city government is planning to develop Banawe street into a tourist destination. The area was recently declared as the city’s Chinatown.

Belmonte, who acts as the city’s tourism czar, said she wants the area to have wider sidewalks and more lighting to attract more visitors.

She said they are also planning the development of a green zone and regulate the buildings to have elements of Chinese decoration and architecture.

The vice mayor lauded the Filipino-Chinese community’s contribution to the development of the city. She said the city will now make it a tradition to celebrate Chinese New Year in the area known for car parts and accessories shops and Chinese restaurants.