The Sangguniang Panlungsod has refused to act on the request for support to the joint resolution of the business community in Dumaguete City against the Bureau of Internal revenue district officer, because of reservations from some council members.

In a privileged speech in last Thursday’s session, Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling, however, said he wanted to pass the resolution in support of the recommendation to prevent RDO Aldo Esmena from allegedly harassing taxpayers.

Businessmen have sought Esmena’s transfer for his alleged unfair, unjust, arbitrary and unconstitutional acts in the implementation of the BIR “Oplan Kandado” campaign.

The joint resolution came from the Philippine Institute of Public Accountants, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation, and the Negros Oriental Investment and Promotions Center.

Reservations over Esmena’s transfer were raised by Councilors Alan Cordova, Amy Dicen, and Tony Remollo.

Cordova said approving such resolution is tantamount to questioning a government policy of massive tax collection, which would render the resolution inutile.

The issue of jurisdiction was also raised in line with the request for his transfer, as that is within the turf of the Department of Finance, he added.

Councilor Amy Dicen said such a resolution is not only premature but would paint a biased picture of the city council, without first getting the side of the RDO.

Remollo said he will not take sides unless he has done his own investigation on the matter.

He added that Esmena may be a bit harsh in his dealings with some business establishments, but he is highly recommended by his superiors, so the people who placed him there might just ignore all these.

Esmena had earlier explained he is merely doing his job of running after tax evaders and unscrupulous taxpayers for underdeclaration of what is due the government.

Finance Secretary Margarito Gary Teves had assured the businessmen he will look into the complaints and will review the Oplan Kandado drive.

Teves said the government is short of P16 billion for the first months of this year in terms of collection, due to external and internal collection problems. In fact, even the most sophisticated companies, with their accountants and lawyers, have found ways of avoiding taxes, he pointed out.

Instilling the fear factor, in the case of Oplan Kandado, Teves said, is important in any relationship, but has to be analyzed carefully, because there are situations where this will not work.*JG

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