Talisay dad: Cedula a useless piece of paper

CEBU, Philippines - While some local government officials oppose the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)’s proposal to abolish the cedula or community tax certificate, Talisay City Association of Barangay Council president and Dumlog Barangay Captain Charles Basillote supports the agency’s move. 

Basillote, who sits as an ex-officio councilor in the city council, said he sees the cedula as useless because it no longer serves its purpose.

“I am in favor of abolishing the cedula because it has become a useless piece of paper,” Basillote told The Freeman. 

The cedula was first introduced to Filipinos by Spanish colonizers in the 19th century.

The collection of community taxes is provided for under the Local Government Code and the Omnibus Tax Code. 

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares proposed the scrapping of the cedula on the ground that it is no longer applicable as a form of identification.

She also noted that the residence certificate has become meaningless as fake copies can easily be obtained. 

Basillote agrees with the observation of Henares that the cedula is no longer a guarantee that the person resides in the barangay where he secured the certificate. 

“It’s no longer a proof that you are a resident of that area besides hapit naman tanang tawo karon naa na’y identification card nga gi-issue from both the private and government,” Basillote said. (FREEMAN)