Mayor Rivera joins BIR's tax campaign

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 February 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signified the city government’s support to the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) 2014 Tax Campaign Kick-Off on February 24 at Phela Grande Convention Center,.

Represented by Dave Areglado, City Hall Executive Assistant for Investments and Tourism, Mayor Rivera shared his intentions regarding the importance of responsible tax payment.

Areglado said that the city mayor reminded everyone that tax payments should be met on time and responsibly as it is the major revenue source of government.

According to Areglado, the city mayor is committed on calling on the constituents of the city to become responsible taxpayers as part of his flagship program CLEAN GenSan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building). 

CLEAN GenSan as Rivera indicated, is an initiative that is anchored on good governance, economic diversity and synergy which can ensue productive citizenship ready to conform in government-based policies.

In relation to that, data given by Sumael Abad, head of the Taxpayer's Assistance Unit of BIR showed the tax collection of BIR Region 12 has exceeded the 2012 target by 16%. GenSan played a crucial role in that achievement.

This year, the city government will move forward towards a healthy revenue contribution to help the BIR according to Mayor Rivera.

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was also present during the event.

"You give what is due to the BIR. Because when you give what is due to BIR, you are giving what is due to your government. And when you give what is due to your government, you are giving what is due to the Philippines," Pacquaio said.

Shortly after their messages, key officials of the BIR such as Deputy Commissioner Atty. Nelson Aspe from the Operations Group-BIR National Office together with local government executives signed a memorandum of agreement supporting the tax campaign.

The BIR tax campaign has the theme “I Love The Philippines, I Pay My Taxes Right. It's As Easy As Register, File & Pay."

It is a Public Awareness Campaign (PAC) reform program initiated by Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR) Kim Jacinto-Henares to promote the importance of paying due taxes. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)