Zamboanga City collects 79% of tax collection target as of end-Sept. with amnesty program

ZAMBOANGA CITY collected almost P3.3 billion in taxes as of end-September, representing 78.7% of this year’s P4.2 billion target, despite a drop in income from private businesses and local government economic enterprises. City Treasurer Romelita F. Candido, in an online briefing, said while the collection so far is not as “favorable” as in past years, they are counting on the city’s three amnesty programs to help bring in payments. These amnesty programs cover the following: penalties, surcharges and interest on unpaid realty taxes accumulated from past years to May 31, 2020; unpaid transfer tax up to this year; and penalties, surcharges and interests on unpaid business taxes up to 2019. Meanwhile, Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar presented on Thursday the city’s proposed 2021 budget of P4.38 billion. Ms. Salazar said next year’s spending plan combines the implementation of existing programs and response measures for handling the continued coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat. “As we struggle to embark on the COVID-19 new normal, we acknowledge that government services and the overall welfare of the people should be our primary concern, hence the social services sector comprises a majority of our fiscal plan at P2.4 billion or 56% of the entire budget,” the mayor said. The budget is up for the city council’s evaluation and approval.