Booklet for taxpayers in Mandaue launched

CEBU, Philippines - The booklet for taxpayers called the “Mandaue City Citizen’s Charter Handbook” was launched Thursday evening during the “La Presidencia Awards, The Taxpayers Award” held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

But what’s the last leaf, which is blank, for?

It’s called “feedback sheet” and holders of the handbook can tear off the two pages from it, write down their problems, needs, or rate Mayor Jonas Cortes’ administration, among other things, and send this to the Office of the Mayor.

Aside from showing how transactions are done in the different departments and agencies at city hall, the booklet also shows information about city hall’s progress.

This handbook was made through the initiative of city Councilor Demetrio “Jun” Cortes Jr. in coordination with the City Treasurer’s Office.

In his speech during the launching, Cortes Jr. said the book was launched because the current administration wanted to implement changes at city hall.

 He said these changes will promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in order to eliminate “red tape.”

“I urge you to study this handbook carefully. Use it to ensure transparency in your dealings with city hall. We cannot change Mandaue alone. We need your help to make things happen. Together, let us eliminate graft and corruption “Cortes Jr. said.

Earlier, city treasurer Regal Oliva said the booklet was deliberately launched on “taxpayer’s night’ in order to show to taxpayers that the city is doing something to prevent “red tape” at city hall.  

Thirty-four taxpayers were awarded at the CICC last Thursday.

San Miguel Brewery led the top corporate taxpayers while VECO led the top business taxpayers. – Flor Z. Perolina