J Mall advances P18M to Mandaue as tax payment

CEBU, Philippines - The management of J Centre Mall in barangay Bakilid, Mandaue City yesterday paid the city government P18 million as advance payment for its business tax.

Justin Uy, president of Everjust Realty Development personally handed to Mayor Jonas Cortes a check worth P18 million.

He was assisted by his brother, Jerry Uy, general manager of J Centre Mall.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and city councilors witnessed the turnover. The check was later turned over to city treasurer Regal Oliva.

J Centre will benefit from the advance payment because the city will use the money to widen Albano Street and improve the drainage system in the area.

Albano St., located at the side of J Centre Mall, connects M. L. Quezon St. and A. S. Fortuna St. and has been identified as one of the alternative routes during heavy traffic.

The 6 meter two-lane road will be widened into four meters more affecting some structures.

In a series of meetings conducted by the city government, the affected structure owners agreed to have their structures demolished with corresponding just compensation.

Barangay Bakilid captain Dionisio Villamor said the advance payment made by J Centre Mall is enough to pay the cost of these structures so that once paid the project will commence and completed immediately.

Once completed, the road will decongest traffic during the peak hours.

All business establishments are obliged to pay the city the annual business tax which is 40 percent of one percent of the company’s gross sales.