Rama against MCWD's request to redeem lots

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama is not keen on giving the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) a chance to redeem its properties that were forfeited in favor of the city for the firm’s failure to pay P69 million in real property taxes.

Rama made his pronouncement after he received a letter from MCWD General Manager Armando Paredes requesting that the firm be allowed to redeem its properties that are mostly situated in Barangay Buhisan.

The mayor said the law should be implemented to all and MCWD should promptly pay their taxes to the city.

But when asked about the P77 million unpaid water bills including late charges, Rama said MCWD should not impose late charges.

The City Council last week asked Rama and City Treasurer Emma Villarete to give their comments on MCWD’s request to redeem the properties.

For her part, Villarete said it is up to the City Council and the mayor to grant MCWD’s request as it is already beyond her function.

But she said if MCWD will just settle the unpaid taxes, she will not insist for the city to keep the properties.

“The city treasurer’s office only wants to collect taxes,” said Villarete. (FREEMAN)