Sunday, September 24, 2006 Proposal seeks use of e-banking, Internet by taxpayers By Gingging A. Campaña Of Sun.Star Cebu
There's a price for convenience, but is City Hall willing to pay it?
A proposed measure allowing taxpayers to pay their fees and dues to the Cebu City Government through automated teller machines (ATMs) and over-the-counter in accredited banks is expected to boost collections. But City Hall will also have to give its collectors and cashiers something else to do.
If a proposal by Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. is approved, Cebu City taxpayers may no longer have to line up at the License and Fees Division of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) to pay for their obligations to City Hall.
The City Council last Wednesday referred for review Pe’s proposal to the committee on laws and good government and the committee on budget and finance.
The proposed measure allowing taxpayers to pay their taxes and fees through accredited banks-over the counter or through ATMs and the Internet-was approved on first reading.
Pe said this will enhance the City Govern-ment’s effective delivery of basic services, as well as increase its revenues and tax collection efficiency.
He believes that payment through Internet banking, ATMs or over the counter in banks than lining up before the windows of collectors at the treasury office is fast and effective.
Also, the City may use the facilities of competent and accredited financial institutions for the benefit of the taxpayers.
Anytime
Except for the over-the-counter payments, transacting with the City Government through the accredited ATMs and Internet banking is prompt and can be made anytime, without the need for a human teller.
The proposed ordinance will also authorize the CTO to accept such payments made through the alternative modes.
The bank, however, must first seek accreditation from the Office of the Mayor through the CTO before it is entitled to deliver the services, as provided in the ordinance.
Pe anchored his proposal on the enactment of the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, in which the government recognizes the use of electronic data messages or electronic documents in commercial and non-commercial transactions.
The same act also mandates government agencies that issue permits, licenses or certificates of registration to require or accept payment and issue receipts acknowledging such payments, through systems using electronic data messages or electronic documents. (GAC)
