THE Cebu City government collected P7.37 billion in taxes in 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella made the disclosure during his first day back in office on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
The City’s efficient tax collection in 2020 resulted in Cebu being recognized by the national government as one of 10 cities in the country with the highest rate when it comes to locally sourced revenue last year, Labella said.
The City also ranked fourth out of 156 cities in the country when it comes to tax collection efficiency.
Labella said should the City adapt to a “new normal setting,” it can achieve its yearly tax collection targets through efficient tax collection.
Labella praised Cebu City Treasurer Mare Vae Fernandez Reyes for her determination in continuously guiding her office in the efficient collection of taxes in the City despite the ongoing pandemic.
Labella said he had hoped that the selling of some parcels from the South Road Properties (SRP) could have helped in increasing their earnings last year.
During Labella’s first year in office back in 2018, the City was able to collect P14 billion, with P6 billion from proceeds from the SRP.
During the last year of Labella’s predecessor former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the City was able to collect P5.2 billion in 2017 and P6 billion in 2018. (PAC / JKV)