QC cracks down on bribe-takers, givers
The two assessed the complainant P77,632 in back taxes but later asked for a discounted payment of P50,000 without an accompanying official receipt
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday warned Quezon City Hall employees predisposed to asking or accepting bribes that they would be removed from office and charged criminally.
The mayor issued the admonition following the arrest of two city hall employees in an entrapment operation by the Quezon City Police District on Thursday.
A revenue examiner and an administrative aide at the city treasurer’s office were nabbed after a complaint was filed against them by a person who sought a certificate attesting that taxes had been paid for a business being retired.
The two assessed the complainant P77,632 in back taxes but later asked for a discounted payment of P50,000 to expedite the release of the document without an accompanying official receipt.
Belmonte vowed to go after corrupt city hall officials and employees who circumvent the processes and regulations in exchange for grease money.
“Here in QC, we will never condone the palakasan system. No one should dangle money or gifts in exchange for special favors or a shortcut to our processes,” she said.
“We have embraced digitalization so that everything is done expeditiously, eliminating red tape,” she added.
The suspects were charged with violating Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday.
QCPD chief P/Brig. Gen. Nicholas Torre III urged the public to immediately report via hotline 122 any government official or employee who would demand money or ask favors in exchange for processing documents.
Based on the Citizen’s Charter of the City Treasurer’s Office, the cost for Business Retirement Application depends on the line of business, gross sales, and area of business delinquency or deficiency taxes.
Discounts are not available unless mandated by applicable laws such as an ordinance granting tax relief.
Quezon City Human Resource and Management Department head Atty. Noel del Prado said the suspects may also be held administratively liable. An internal investigation will also be conducted on them, he added.
“Corruption has no place in the city government. We have a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. We will not take this issue lightly,” Belmonte said.
“We will take appropriate measures to ensure that our public servants have integrity and are transparent because the constituents deserve the best services from us,” the mayor said.
She warned that private persons involved in questionable transactions will also be prosecuted side by side with government employees they are in cahoots with.