Marikina City warns employees vs discourtesy amid tax, permit rush

The local government of Marikina City has warned city employees against discourteous behavior toward the public amid a surge of taxpayers and business owners transacting at City Hall at the start of the year.

The reminder came after Mayor Marjorie Ann Teodoro received complaints that some taxpayers and business permit applicants were treated discourteously while paying real property taxes and renewing business permits.

During a weekly flag-raising ceremony, Teodoro said such behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the standard of public service that Marikina City upholds.

She said City Hall saw a significant increase in taxpayers paying real property taxes in December and January, followed by a wave of business permit renewals early this year, resulting in long lines and heavy foot traffic in government offices.

Despite the workload, Teodoro reminded city employees that courtesy, respect, and compassion must be observed at all times.

She stressed that public trust is built through daily interactions between government workers and constituents.

Teodoro also directed offices handling complaints and requests, particularly those managing the Marikina e-Concern platform, to ensure prompt, clear, and accountable action on all concerns raised by residents.

The mayor likewise thanked city agencies and personnel for their coordinated efforts in maintaining order and cleanliness along major roads, citing improvements along Marcos Highway.

She urged concerned departments to sustain these efforts and ensure that road discipline and cleanliness extend beyond major thoroughfares to inner streets and communities, including the consistent enforcement of rules against illegal parking.