Manila cites The STAR as one of top taxpayers

MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Manila awarded the Philippine Star Daily Inc. as one of the city’s top 10 business taxpayers for 2013.  

Miguel Belmonte, STAR president and chief executive officer, received the award from Councilor Joel Chua and bureau of permits director Fortune Opinion-Mayuga in a ceremony held Thursday night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Ermita.

“We are honored and proud to be one of the top taxpayers of Manila. Our office has been in Port Area for the past 28 years. This is our first time to win this award,” Belmonte said.

“The city of Manila has been very good to our company and we are happy to return that by paying the correct taxes. Hopefully, we will be a regular fixture in this,” he added.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada lauded the vital role played by The Philippine Star and its fellow awardees in the progress of the city.

The other companies that made it to the Top 10 taxpayers are the Manila Electric Co., International Container Terminal Services Inc., Unilever Philippines Inc., Asian Terminals Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Maynilad Water Services Inc., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Philtrust Bank Co. and Marina Square Properties Inc.