DAVAO de Oro 2nd District congressional candidate and businessman Noe “Butchoy” Taojo has spoken up to clarify the recent allegations that his company, Hexat Mining, based in Pantukan, has allegedly failed to pay local taxes.
On April 3, the local government of Pantukan held a press conference, where municipal officials alleged that Taojo’s mining company was not fulfilling its tax obligations for a significant period of time.
According to Municipal Administrator Atty. Maribel Basadre-Cab, Taojo allegedly claimed that it was “okay to operate a business even without a permit.”
But during the proclamation rally of Team Biyaheng Kalinaw in Mawab last April 5, Taojo addressed the issue head-on.
“I paid. I applied for renewal. But it was never acted upon,” he said, explaining that when permit renewals are left pending, operations are typically allowed to continue under an automatic extension — a practice not uncommon among local businesses.
“I told small business owners during a business forum in Pantukan: don’t be afraid to continue operating as long as you’ve applied and complied with the requirements,” Taojo explained.
He admitted saying that he would continue operating despite not having the renewed permit — but stressed that it was only to encourage small business owners facing similar bureaucratic delays.
“Now, they’re twisting it, saying I boasted about continuing operations without a permit. I only said that to ease the fears of the people,” Taojo explained
He narrated that last year his permit was only signed in October.
“Does that mean we stopped operating from January to October? We have over 3,000 workers. What would happen to them? Should they stage a protest at the municipal hall if we shut down operations?” he said.
Taojo pointed out that this issue was never raised in the past — it only came to light after he announced his candidacy for Congress in District 2.
“The saddest part is that I never stoop to mudslinging because I know these attacks aren’t true. But this morning, it truly hurt me. I checked my phone and saw people cursing me — because they can’t discredit me with facts, they’ve resorted to insults,” Taojo said.
In his address to the people of Mawab, Taojo expressed his expectation of more attacks but that he remains committed to the shared goal of peace and unity in Davao de Oro.
“In the end, I don’t throw mud at anyone. I’m not here to destroy — I’m here to serve. If Team Biyaheng Kalinaw wins, it’s not for us. It’s for the people,” Taojo ended.