House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the Bacolod City government is expected to earn P1 billion more in real property tax collection annually when the geographic information system (GIS) being set up by High Data Infrastructure Corporation is fully operational.
The GIS can conduct a satellite count and map of properties in Bacolod City, Benitez said at a press conference on Friday, Nov. 13.
This will be the basis for collecting Real Property Tax. The City Assessor’s Office data has only 80,000 registered buildings in their system, but according to GIS satellite images there are 160 buildings, he said.
The digitization of real property tax data will increase collection efficiency and curb corruption, Benitez said.
Benitez said he is proposing to the city council that before any increase in real property taxes is imposed they first make sure that collection efficiency is implemented. Why charge those who are paying more when there are others who do not pay, he said.
Through CCTV cameras to be put up by High Data the city will have eyes everywhere to improve security and precent crimes, and ensure swift response to calamities and emergencies, he said.
About 150 CCTV will initially be out up and the police are now validating the strategic points where they will be placed, Benitez said.
The P2.1 billion Public-Private Partnership of the city with High Data Infra Inc. will be implemented over a 10 year-period in phases, Benitez said.
No city funds have been released for the project yet.
Payment will come from the general fund and not from a loan, Benitez said.
He said with an about P1 billion increase in real property tax the city government will have the funds to pay for the project in phases.*
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