"AS WE know, taxation is the lifeblood of our nation. Kung wala ang bawat isa sa inyo, mahihirapan kaming magpa-aral, magpa-kain, magbigay ng trabaho, manggamot at maghandog ng iba't-ibang serbisyo sa bawat Fernandino."

Thus said Mayor Edwin Santiago, as he expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders and top taxpayers in the City of San Fernando who were recognized on Friday, August 16.

The recognition rite is annually organized by the City Treasurer's Office to acknowledge companies and individuals who have contributed to the local economic growth and have helped the government sustain its social services.

In his speech, Santiago said the taxpayers' contributions resulted in a P1.59 billion total income collection for the year 2018.

He asked for the continuous support of the investors in order to reach their targeted P1.9 billion collection for the current year.

Third District Representative and Deputy Speaker of the 18th Congress Aurelio Gonzales Jr., who served as keynote speaker during the event, highlighted the role of taxpayers as government's partners in improving the investment climate of the country.

Gonzales said the government continuously reforms its taxation system to enhance fairness and achieve sustainability.

"I have passed House Bill 2704 or the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act, which seeks to lower income tax rate from 30 percent to 20 percent. With this, we'll be able to lessen pressure among firms thus motivate them to create more jobs for the people," Gonzales added.

The top business taxpayers in their respective categories are San Miguel Brewery Inc. (Business Tax-Manufacturers-Non Essential); Toyota San Fernando Pampanga Inc. (Business Tax-Wholesaler, Dealer, Distributor-Non Essential); Star Appliances Center Inc. (Business Tax-Retailers-Non Essential); Unahco Inc. (Business Tax-Manufacturers-Essential); United Laboratories Inc. (Business Tax-Wholesaler, Dealer, Distributor-Essential); Super Value Inc. "SM Supermarket-SM City Pampanga" (Business Tax-Retailers-Essential); NLEX Corporation (Business Tax-Contractors & Independent Contractors); SM Prime Holdings Inc. (Business Tax-Services); East West Bank Corporation (Business Tax-Banking & Financial Institutions); Josefina T. Siy of A.A Saver's Mart (Business Tax-Single Proprietorship); Sally G. Go of Lison Enterprises (Business Taxpayer-New Public Market); and Marina Cunana of Pedmar Gift Shop (Business Taxpayer-Old Public Market).

The top Real Property Taxpayers in their respective categories are San Miguel Brewery Inc. (Corporation), and Mr. and Mrs. Melchor and Vilma Caluag (Individual).

The following were also recognized for their outstanding tax contributions: Barangay Telabastagan (Top Barangay Community Tax Collector); San Fernando Electric Light & Power Company (Top Franchise Taxpayer); SM Prime Holdings Inc. (Top Amusement Taxpayer); and iPremiere Builders Corporation (Highest Increase on Tax Contribution). (PR)