More taxes collected under Rama’s term

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Treasurer’s Office yesterday revealed that Mayor Michael Rama has collected more taxes compared to former mayor Tomas Osmeña.

The comparison was made following Osmeña’s allegation that Rama failed to efficiently collect taxes resulting in the city government’s inability to pay its loan amortization with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation for the south reclamation project without having to sell lots at the South Road Property.

Based on records, Rama collected during his first term 45-percent higher than the total tax collection of Osmeña in his last term.

Osmeña posted about P3.6 billion in real property tax and business tax for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009 while Rama has collected P5.3 billion from 2011 to 2013.

City treasurer Diwa Cuevas said increase could be attributed to the increasing number of business establishments, condominiums, as well as the tax payers. She added that the increase was also due to the intensified tax collection campaign.

“Tungod daghan nata og business establishments for the real property and business tax. Like Ayala, daghan nata og condominiums, wala pa gali maapil ang machineries ani,” Cuevas said.

Cuevas clarified that the increase was expected because of the booming business in the city.

Rama ignored Osmeña’s claim saying he has the mandate to manage the city.

“He (Osmeña) had lost an election already. The mandate is for me to manage the city and I need all the people’s help including him,” he said.

The mayor hopes that Osmeña would help him instead of criticizing.

“Because if we really love our city, our country, sacrifice should be there and that is the most important any loser should do,” he added.— (FREEMAN)