In a press conference at the House of Representatives, the outgoing Speaker said that one of his first priorities as mayor will be to inquire into Quezon City’s finances, particularly accounts payable and receivable.
"We do not like the lump sum. We want it broken down to have a clearer picture as to what the money is for, to whom it is owed and the basis for it," Belmonte stressed.
He said that Quezon City has historically not been able to collect all its revenues, and that this has been one of the major reasons for the lack of funds for necessary programs.
He added that he will also review the performance of the tax collecting agencies of the local government. "Generally, my first activities will revolve around finding out what the city needs and what it doesn’t, where everything is and what is functioning, especially the fiscal position of the city government," he said. – Matthew Estabillo and Cecille Suerte Felipe