MANILA, Feb.2 (PNA) — Mayor Joseph Estrada has already settled the P613 million power bills to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) incurred by previous administration.
Vice Mayor Isko Moreno said that the P613,697.511 Meralco bill is one of the biggest issues addressed by Mayor Estrada, noting the efficiency in collection of taxes this year.
He said that under the leadership of Mayor Estrada, the city government has collected 3.5 billion pesos in less than 30 days in January alone.
“The P2.3 billion was an all-time high in terms of efficiency in collecting what is due to the city,” Moreno told Filipino-Chinese businessmen at the solidarity dinner held Friday at Lido de Paris, on Ongpin Street in Binondo, Manila, to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Effective January 1, the city has implemented an increase in fair market values of real properties in Manila which is considered as major source of revenues to finance the various programs and project.
Moreno said that “President-Mayor” (referring to Estrada) have his way of resolving problems inherited from the past administration.
The other big problems inherited from former Mayor Alfredo Lim includes P57.7 million unsettled bills with Maynilad Services, Incorporated; and P3.5 billion unpaid loans based on reports of the Commission on Audit.
“Marami pang makikita, mararanasan at mararamdaman ang mga plano kung saan habang nililingon niya ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap nililingap din niya ang naghahanap buhay sa lungsod kung saan itong mga negosyong ito ay makapagbigay buhay upang sa ganoon patuloy na masustinihan ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating mamamayan lagi niyang sinasabi for the greatest good of the greatest number (to expect more from Mayor Estrada for the greatest good of the greatest number),” Moreno said.
Likewise, Mayor Estrada has appealed for the understanding and cooperation of Filipino-Chinese businessmen following the increase in real property taxes, explaining that they do not really increase the tax rate but merely update the fair market value in order for the city to upgrade its delivery of public services.(source: Philippine News Agency)
