Binay acclaims Chinese contribution to business

CEBU, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay credited the Chinese community’s role in the continuing progress of the city during a recent meeting with the Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Binay said in an exclusive interview with The Freeman that the Chinese community plays a vital role in the community, especially in Makati which is dubbed as the financial capital of the Philippines were most major businesses are located.

He said that those coming from the Chinese community are known for their excellence in dealing with businesses and he said that in Makati a lot of people from this community contribute a lot to the city’s progress.

Binay, who already announced earlier this year his plans to seek for higher office during the 2010 elections, assured that if he would be given the opportunity, he is assuring the support for the business sector, especially the Chinese community.

He said that they are still inviting more investors to operate their business in the city as they offer benefits and a lot of advantages for businessmen.

Part of the efforts done by the city for the help of the business sector is the implementation of the computerized method of paying real property taxes at the barangay level through the Barangay real property tax payment system which is aimed to ease the burden of taxpayers in going to the City Hall in paying their dues.

This system has reportedly also helped in the increase of tax collection in the city and eliminated graft and corruption.

Also, the Makati Business Development Council and the Makati Barangay Business Council was also formed which helps promote entrepreneurship in the city and the barangays.

CFCCCI welcomed the acknowledgement of Binay of the efforts of their community and thanked the mayor as well for the help and the opportunities that he has given.

Fil-Chinese Chamber president Filomeno Lim said that they are supporting the efforts of the mayor in the business sector but said that they still need to decide on who to vote for during elections since they vote as one community. —AJ de la Torre