CH collects P34M in 2 days

CEBU, Philippines — At least P34 million was collected by the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office within the first two days of accepting new applications and renewal of business permits.

Acting City Treasurer Veronica Morelos said the office is hoping that all 35,000 existing businesses in the city will pay the right taxes to avoid legal problems with the city government and possible closure.

“Ang average businesses nga mo-secure og mayor’s business permit is 27,000 to 28,000 ra gyud as recorded in the previous years,” Morelos said.

Morelos said the city is targeting to collect P1.5 billion for the business tax this year.   The city government has started accepting new applications and renewal of mayor’s business permit on January 3 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Morelos reminded the businessmen to submit all requirements and secure permits until January 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays except January 20. Failure to secure permits until January 26, a two percent interest per month and 25 percent surcharge and penalties will be imposed by the city.

Morelos said there will be massive inspection in February to check those businesses that have not secured permits. She said the inspection will ensure that all businesses that are operating in the city have secured permits.

Francisco Fernandez, executive assistant of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, said the city is expecting more businesses to pay their business taxes this year considering that the mayor has been serious in his fight against tax evaders.

“We are hoping nga makita sa atong mga businessmen nga seryoso ta sa pagpasirado kon dili gyod mobayad og buhis,” Fernandez said.

It was last year when Osmeña started shutting down establishments that are allegedly operating without permits. These include the 12 warehouses and one main office/store of Vic Enterprises; Abuhan branch along Ramos Street; two branches of the famous Rico’s Lechon, as well as its central commissary; Time Out Sports Bar; Jeshian Café; Ed’s Tambayan; and Chuva-Chuva.

The mayor earlier said that he is not going after businesses for as long as they pay the right taxes. —FPL (FREEMANNEWS)