City offices told to fix tax collection slowdown

THE Management and Information Technology (MIT) division and the City Treasurer’s Office were asked by the City Council to explain complaints received from taxpayers on the slow processing of their transactions.

Councilor Fred Bagbagen sought clarifications from MIT division head Edwin Manaois and City Treasurer Alica Onoza on why long lines are being experienced by tax payers especially now during the peak of payments of city dues.

City Treasurer Officer-In-Charge Alicia Onoza said they have been acting on speeding up the transactions of taxpayers, but it is inevitable that lags may happen during payments as computers in their offices sometimes experience glitches.

Onoza said they dedicated at least three windows for various transactions including payment for real estate and business permits.

Manaois, meanwhile, explained they are implementing the budgeted computerization program of the City Government, but said this will take time and will probably be completed and addressed in time for next year’s peak season in payments.

Onoza added they dedicated a One-Stop payment center and promised to address long lines by assigning more personnel to attend to their needs.

She also explained the long lines at their payment center only exist during the deadlines as most tax payers have been reluctant to pay duties to the City Government early.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda called for the immediate review of the functions of the MIT division to see to it that more personnel will take action and cover issues in the computerization program of the City Government.

She also tasked Manaois to look into what are being done and report these to the council to promptly address these issues.

Councilor Peter Fianza reminded the MIT to continue addressing concerns on City Hall’s computerization.