Tagbilaran City -- Member mayors of the Bohol Chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) have rallied behind a move to allow to barangay treasurers to collect real property taxes in a recent bid to increase tax revenues collection.

The move, spearheaded by Ubay Mayor Eutiquio Bernales, surfaced after the league members listened to presentation on the electronic tax revenue assessment and collection system (ETRACS), touted as top of the line computerized system designed to streamline tax assessment and make collection efficient and practical.

The mayors also tackled several ways of raising revenues to hit targets and upgrade their town classifications, during their recent meeting in Danao town.

For Ubay, Bohol's largest town in land area, Mayor Bernales admitted that many of his town's landowners do not reside there.

"They only come once in a while and it may be just as appropriate that the barangay treasurers, who are there in the respective places can be deputized to collect real property taxes when these owners come, or lose the chance when they leave for home again", Bernales explained.

"Maybe we can pass a resolution asking the government to allow our barangay treasurers to collect, they hold government bonds anyway," Bernales argued.

For the Provincial Treasurer, Eustaquio Salmorin said the move is in order and is just not tested yet.

He however added that training would be needed to appraise the barangay pursers of the responsibilities of tax collection.

On that, LMP Bohol President, Catigbian Mayor Roberto Salinas stressed "the move may be applicable to some towns, but not all however and should be considered on a case-to-case basis", while pointing out the impracticality of putting trainings for treasurers and assistant treasurers.

On the other hand, several LMP members believe that the Bernales proposal complements the implementation of the ETRACS, which would be piloted in Bohol in Maribojoc town.

* Rey Anthony Chiu (PIA)
** source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090417.htm&no=29