Councilor: City will negotiate but won't be threatened

BACOLOD City Councilor Al Victor Espino, author of the revised Revenue Code and chairman of the City Council finance committee, said they are not shutting down their doors with the business sector of Bacolod.

He said they are in fact, extending their hands to further negotiate with them until a common ground is reached on the implementation of the new tax code.

He said they cannot be swayed by threats that they will suffer the consequence of losing votes from employees of businessmen when they seek election or reelection next year.

"I am one of those councilors who will not be intimidated. My position as author of the revised Revenue Code is that it is legal, transparent and it underwent the correct process. The ball is in their hands. But we cannot be swayed back by threats," he said.

He added they will continue talking to them because they want to get the sentiments of the business people.

"We don't completely shut the door but we want to negotiate on what they want. But not on their terms. It will also include the terms of the city. We should come to terms that are agreeable and acceptable to both parties," he said.

"We compared our rates with our neighboring cities like Talisay, Silay, San Carlos and Iloilo City and our rates are not the same with their rates, if not better, with Iloilo. That is what I stand for," he added.

The officials are hoping that the next meeting will be held next week and must reach a conclusion within this year.

Espino said the no rebate will start by 2013.

"Our purpose here is to have a long running effect on our next tax revenue which will come in the next five years. In the long run, the 50 percent of one percent is better than a rebate now. They will never accept the rates that we pushed. But we look at it as a good compromise on our side. The point is, if they disagree with it, they are just playing politics on the matter," he said.

"Our offer is we will not give rebate for the current year. But we will give 50% of 1% with no rebate but will take effect by 2013 and it will last for the next five years," he added.

Vice Mayor Jude Sayson said he already got positive reactions from their last proposal with them.

Since they raised a different point during their press conference, then they have to evaluate their position again, he added.

"We will negotiate and open to negotiation. But the negotiation should deal with both sides in order for us to reach a win-win solution. (CNC)