Mayor tells business sector: Davao City open to 3rd party auditor

MAYOR SARA Duterte-Carpio has urged Davao City’s business sector to provide a third-party auditor to look into the local government’s finances in line with transparency initiatives. Speaking before business leaders during the installation of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.’s new set of officers last Friday, Jan. 26, Ms. Carpio said the city’s books are open for review by the private sector to help ensure that resources are being used judiciously. The mayor noted that as of Jan. 23, the City Treasurer’s Office has collected P1.2 billion from business renewal fees, a 36% increase from last year. “I thank the business community for diligently paying your local taxes. We assure you that your city government will allocate these funds to more meaningful projects and programs for the development of the city,” Ms. Carpio said. She also reported that the city ended 2017 with more than 40,000 registered businesses, with a total investment value of P270 billion. — Maya M. Padillo