MAYOR EDGARDO C. Labella has issued an executive order (EO) creating a task force to profile, inspect, and map all real properties and business establishments in Cebu City to intensify the collection of taxes and fees. “I’m very positive that if we can properly map and profile these properties, we can increase our taxable real property tax (RPT) rate base without necessarily increasing the tax rates,” the mayor said. In 2018, the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office collected P1.4 billion in RPT, exceeding its target of P1 billion. For this year, the city targets to collect P1.1 billion in RPT. Mr. Labella also said he wants to ensure that all businesses are paying their correct tax dues. Under the EO, the task force is also directed to evaluate the tax collection system to identify gaps and possible problems in the records. The task force is composed of the city treasurer, assessor, building official, City lawyer, and other heads of offices. The creation of the task force is pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, or the Revised Standards in Processing Business Permits and Licensing in all Cities and Municipalities, issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Information and Communication Technology. — The Freeman

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