Manila’s tax take up despite pandemic
TAX collections in the city of Manila increased by around 6 percent despite the coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covid- 19) pandemic, Mayor Francisco Domagoso said on Thursday.
In his State of the City Address, the mayor said the city collected around 5.91 percent more than it did in the same period last year.
The city treasury collected P693 million more, totaling P12.4 billion from July 2019 to May 2020, compared to the P11.7 billion last year.
“Despite Covid- 19, the state of the city is strong and future secure,” Domagoso said.
“Even with the pandemic [ Manila city] had a small growth [ in tax collection],” he added.
The city government also lowered real property taxes by 20 percent, which did not have an adverse effect on the total revenue.
“Not only did we extend the tax amnesty, but we have lowered the tax in Manila, but despite this, our tax revenues increased,” the mayor said.
He attributed the tax increase to a more efficient “end to end” online tax payment system, as well as the tax amnesty that was implemented from July to December.
Taxpayers could pay their dues through Go Manila Application, enabling them to settle their dues without stepping out of the home.
“I can honestly say, modesty aside: we are the only city government in the country who has introduced an end- toend payment system,” Domagoso said. “Based on the feedback we have received, ngayonlang akonakakitangtaongnakangiti habangnagbabayadngbuwissa Maynila ( this is the first time I saw someone smiling while paying tax in Manila).”
JOHN ERIC MENDOZA