Don’t rob Manila blind, Isko warns tax assessors

The vital role played by real property assessment workers in tax collection should ensure that taxpayers are given fair and truthful tax obligations.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno issued this reminder during the regular flag-raising ceremony on Monday, stressing that honest and proper tax collection greatly impacts the city government’s revenue.

Moreno recalled that in the past, the assessment office was controlled by some officials who reduced real property taxes in exchange for bribes, lowering assessed values to shortchange the government.

“We need to correct the wrong assessments made before. This is the lifeblood of the city, where we get our tax money to finance projects, salaries, hospitals, schools and social services. If not, the city will suffer,” Moreno said.

He said more reforms are needed and called for proper taxation of real property, which contributes the largest share to revenue collection.

Moreno noted that on his first day in office, he declared a tax amnesty to ease the burden on taxpayers, expecting them to settle their dues honestly.

“You will recall that just weeks after I returned to office, my first request to the council was to enact an ordinance declaring a general tax amnesty for everyone,” he said.

The mayor added that it is only fair to make a fresh start by showing residents that the city cares, and that past wrongdoings would not be repeated.

“I will keep reminding the employees of the assessor’s office to correct what is wrong. This is my only request, because your work is crucial to keeping our city alive,” Moreno said.