Mandaue improves collection of biz fees

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government has reported a 26 percent increase in the payment of business registration fees, raking up P186 million in January 25 last year and boosting this to P235 million in Jan. 25 this year.

Jamaal James Calipayan, the executive secretary of Mayor Jonas Cortes, said the increase can be attributed to the tax mapping and the penalties imposed on violators.

Calipayan said only a few businessmen fully comply with requirements, opting instead to pay the P500 administrative penalty.

In response, the city council adopted a proposed ordinance increasing the penalty from P500 in the previous years to a P5,000 administrative penalty, which will take effect this year.

The city collected more than P27 million in “administrative penalties” alone. (FREEMAN)