Businessman Efrain Pelaez Jr. has expressed support to the “catch-a tax evader” program of the Lapu-Lapu City government but is also seeking the publication of the status of the tax payments of the city government officials and the allies of the mayor.
In a letter to the city treasurer, Pelaez said that the Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry --which he heads-- is in full support of the program.
However, Pelaez said the local government should divulge the status of the real property tax payments of Mayor Arturo Radaza and the Dematera, Frostrum, Amores, Dignos, Malingin and Amman families.
He likewise requested for the status of the tax payments of former governor Lito Osmeña, Joseph Gaisano, the Rural Bank of Subangdaku, the late consultant Richard William Sison, city attorney Vincent Joseph Lim, Junard Chan, city administrator Teodulo Ybañez, Rolando Duero, Rogelio Veloso, Perla Amar, Janet Lamban, Erlinda Beduya, Efren Herrera, Damian Gomez, Leo Mercado, Rufo Bering and city police chief Supt. Louie Oppus.
He also wanted to know the status of the tax payments of all the city councilors, barangay captains and other known allies of the mayor.
Pelaez said that since the city government has already imposed the new taxes, they should be equally applied to all. He demanded that they be allowed to inspect the printout of all the delinquencies and taxes on all properties in the city.
“Better yet, can you publish the entire list in the newspaper and avoid being selective in the publication of the list,” the letter reads.
Lim said he has no real property in Lapu-Lapu City and is only renting a space. He said his only source of income is his salary.
“Wa ko’y real property sa Lapu-Lapu nag-abang ra ko and my only source of income is my salary,” the city attorney said.
Ybañez said Pelaez is fishing as they have already checked all the names he mentioned. – Fred P. Languido/BRP