No new realty tax in Mandaluyong

There will be no additional realty tax measures in Mandaluyong City in the next three years, according to Mayor Neptali Gonzales II.

Instead, the city government will concentrate on collecting close to P200 million yearly in uncollected taxes to boost the city government’s financial coffers.

Gonzales said personnel of the city’s collection department will be transformed into efficient tax collectors during his first year in office.

"I want our collection department to run like it should be. We will be filling cases against delinquent taxpayers for we really mean business here," Gonzales told reporters.

Gonzales was sworn in last Tuesday by his good friend, Sen. Mar Roxas, in front of supporters that gathered at the Mandaluyong City gymnasium. Later, outgoing mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., took his oath as Mandaluyong congressman before his father, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.

Gonzales said there is no need to raise real property taxes because the amount that has to be collected from delinquent taxpayers will be more than enough to improve the city’s finances.

The incoming mayor claimed that the city’s uncollected realty tax amounts to 49 percent which is a huge amount that can be used in boosting the delivery of basic services, cleanliness and peace and order in the city.

Of the projected P450-million target collection in real property taxes, only about P250 million had been collected by the city government, leaving 49 percent or roughly P200 million, uncollected each year, he stressed.

Apart from collecting taxes, Gonzales said his first six months up to the first year in office will focus on basic services, road maintenance, cleanliness and proper garbage collection and peace and order with more police visibility.

"All the projects of Mayor Abalos will be continued, like the construction of the five-story new city hall building, but our main focus is to strengthen tax collection." — Non Alquitran