Baguio workers warned on processing biz permits

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Through an administrative order issued last week, Mayor Mauricio Domogan warned city hall employees that only those directly involved in the processing of business permits may be allowed to handle same in their respective offices.

This was stated in administrative order 179, s. of 2014; as application for renewal or processing of business permits for 2015 starts Jan. 2, while payment of real property taxes with corresponding discounts and giveaways for early taxpayers is ongoing.

“No employee including their relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, including bilas, inso and balae (RA 6713 section 3, k) shall intercede and/or hand carry in behalf of any applicant/permittee for issuance of new, or renewal of business permits,” the AO stated.

Employees who violate the order would be meted reprimand for the first offense, suspension for one to thirty days for the second offense, and dismissal for the third offense.

There are some taxpayers who engage services of several city government employees in the processing/renewal of business permits, as to observation from the past years, thus the AO.

The AO was also issued in order to avoid favoritism and ensure fairness, due to acquaintance and familiarity and/or influence of employees with concerned offices that “create undue advantage over those taxpayers who do not have connections.”

Payment of realty taxes is accepted at the city treasurer’s one-stop-shop. Realty payments for the whole month of January is given 20% discount; on February, 15%; and March, 10%. Payment for business taxes are scheduled; for taxpayers with surnames starting A to H will be accepted for the month of January; from I to P, February; and Q to Z, March 2015. A 10% discount on garbage and sewerage fees will also be given if paid on or before the 20th of the month.           

Instant prizes will be given to the first 6,000 taxpayers; it was announced; while in the raffle draw, a sala set, 2-door refrigerator, and four-burner gas range, await fully paid taxpayers to be drawn on April next year. In case of a taxpayer’s name drawn twice, the winner shall chose preferred prize and the prize is not convertible to cash, it was known.