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By Jefferson Antiporda, Reporter
THE Quezon City government registered an
increase of P168 million in business taxes collected.
The increase in tax collections further
strengthened the city’s title as the country’s “Richest local
government unit.” Quezon City is also the first Philippine city to
be included as among the most developed cities in the world.
Based on the reports submitted by City Treasurer
Victor Endriga to City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., business taxes
collected last year reached an all-time high of P1.366 billion as
against P1.198 billion, or an increase of nearly P168 million as of
January 31, the deadline set by the city for business tax payments.
The large take in business tax collection helped
Quezon City have a cash position of P6.95 billion, giving it
much-needed funds to undertake its various programs, including
antipo-verty projects.
Community tax collection also increased by about
P5.85 million, from P45.315 million in 2006 to P51.165 million in
2007.
Besides the business taxes, the more efficient
collection of regulatory fees, miscellaneous fees, amusement taxes
and transfer taxes also helped Quezon City improve its cash
position.
According to Endriga, the city’s successful
tax collection can be attributed to the efforts of the city
government’s personnel and employees.
It was also learned that Endriga himself
scrutinizes tax documents to thwart any attempt to cheat on taxes,
which is usually being done by unscrupulous taxpayers in cahoots
with corrupt city personnel.
“Economic breakdown due to tax collection
deficiency standards tear up our revenue structures and financial
systems,” Endriga said.
Endriga added that efficient tax collection plus
Belmonte’s business-friendly and pro-people tax system are the
reasons behind the accelerated tax collection.
“The adoption of hassle-free tax collection
and payment scheme, at the instance of Mayor Belmonte relieved
taxpayers of inconvenience and, as a corollary, dramatically
increased collection that galvanized the city’s fiscal
sustainability,” Endriga said.
Quezon City used to be burdened with debts
before attaining its impressive cash position.
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