‘Discrepancy in real property taxes in San Juan uncovered’

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora has uncovered some “irregularities” at city hall since he took over the reins of the local government in June.

Aside from obligated funds worth P1.3 billion left by his predecessor, former mayor Guia Gomez, Zamora said he has found other alleged irregularities.

He said he discovered that the city assessor’s office had been collecting lower taxes from owners of real properties on Polk street in Barangay North Greenhills compared to other streets in the village.

“Former president Joseph Estrada lives on Polk street, where the value of property has lower tax assessment,” Zamora said in an interview with “The Chiefs” aired on Cignal TV’s One News on Friday.

The mayor said assessment of real property taxes along Polk street is lower by 10 to 15 percent compared to other areas in the city.

Zamora said he would ask officials of the city assessor’s office for information about the discrepancy in tax assessment.

“Araw-araw meron kaming nadidiskubre na kakaiba sa San Juan,” he said.

He said he had asked the Commission on Audit to review the funds left by the previous administration.

According to Zamora, most of the funds have been obligated to projects and debt services until the end of the year.

“Thay’s why my hands are tied,” he said.

Among these projects is the procurement of around P90 million worth of equipment for the San Juan Hospital, which is undergoing renovation.

“How can you actually pay for equipment that have not been tested and used?” Zamora said.