Published in the SunStar Bacolod newspaper on March 14, 2018.
By Erwin P. Nicavera

Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares. Erwin P. Nicavera Photo

THE City Government of Talisay has collected about P71 million in various taxes in the first two months of 2018, which is almost 17 percent higher compared to the figures for the same period in 2017.

Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio “Neil” Lizares, who met with the officers of the Negros Press Club at his office in Talisay City Tuesday, March 13, reported that their local income from January to February last year was only about P61 million.

This translates to an increase in collection of about P10 million, Lizares said.

“This is mainly attributed to our efficient tax collection,” the mayor said, adding that the City Government continues to boost efforts to attract more investors.

Of the amount, the city collected almost P33 million in real property taxes. The figure is higher than the almost P27.5 million two-month collection last year.

For business and other taxes, it raked in about P32 million higher than the previous year’s P28 million.

Other sources of local revenue include regulatory fees and charges, almost P5.1 million, and P1 million from receipts from economic enterprises.

Lizares said that aside from strict implementation of anti-red tape policies, the city also continues to provide services needed by the business community.

These include provision of smooth, fast and quality government services, maintaining peace and order, quick disaster response, and infrastructure including well-lighted streets.

“Businesses are thriving in Talisay as manifested by higher real property tax collection,” the mayor said as he assured that more tax collections means better delivery of basic services to the public.

Tax code revision

The City Government is also banking on the collection of amusement tax from two major tourist destinations of the province situated in Talisay.

Lizares said the City Council is currently reviewing the city's tax code to impose a 10 percent amusement tax on the entrance fees collected by Campuestohan Highland Resort and The Ruins.

Once imposed, the city may generate an additional revenue of at least P30 million every year, Lizares said.

“These establishments have been paying business renewal taxes only. Aside from paying taxes to Bureau of Internal Revenue, they should also pay the local government,” the mayor said, adding that they target to complete and implement the tax code revision this year.

Bank of the Philippine Islands executives led by president and chief executive officer Cezar Consing (2nd from left) during the media roundtable discussion at the bank’s Capitol Subdivision Branch in Bacolod City Tuesday.