Integrity is what sets Taguig’s city government apart. Upright and uncompromising, Mayor Freddie Tiñga led the overhaul of Taguig’s organizational framework, creating a new order where the common good reigned, things got done, and nothing went unseen. In 2003, the very seat of the local government received an extensive overhaul. The rundown City Hall located in the Poblacion was renovated and government offices were transferred to the new compound for easy access and smooth transactions. The city’s governing body was also refitted, its foundations bolstered by a healthy dose of professionalism.

In 2004, Taguig set up the Customer Service Office (CSO), the checks and balances arm of the system. It provides taxpayers the convenience of dealing with just one customer service representative for any type of transaction or service provided by the City. Only authorized city officials and employees with proper identification have access to the CSO office, keeping out fixers. The city’s campaign for efficient tax collection and its shift to a computerized system have also helped cut bureaucratic red tape and safeguard transparency.

To date, the professionalized CSO along with sweeping reforms in other revenue generating departments have delivered a record increase in tax revenues. From July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002, the city collected a total of P588.522-million, a 29.87% increase from the previous administration. The numbers have since increased in subsequent years. From January to November 2005, the city government continued to deliver stellar results, generating a total of P727.934 million in revenues from regulatory fees, business and real property taxes. In the first quarter of 2006, collections continued to grow exponentially through better collection efficiency, even with a revised revenue code that provided lower tax rates for certain sectors such as banks and financial institutions.


Connected City
The constant dialogue between citizens and lawmakers marks the administration’s commitment to its constituents; the exchange is active, constant, and never one-sided.

The institutionalized Dalaw Barangay program gives community leaders and ordinary citizens regular opportunities to meet with the local chief executive regarding civic issues and problems. This effort has grown to be more interactive. In a festive atmosphere, various booths are set up where the constituents can avail of the city government’s programs and basic services. Department heads are around to make sure that their offices deliver what the people need.

More importantly, Mayor Tiñga then goes around the community to touch base with his constituents, personally hear out their problems that need to be addressed by the administration and see the conditions prevailing in their barangay.