Treñas mum on Pesina-Zulueta verbal joust
City Mayor Jerry Treñas refused to give comments on the exchange of words that ensued between Councilors Antonio Pesina and Perla Zulueta on the granting of tax exemptions to entertainment shows in last Wednesday's regular session.
Treñas said the discretion to grant or deny the tax exemption asked for by the producers of entertainment shows relies on the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP). The Local Government Code serves as the guiding tool for the legislative council on questions arising from tax exemptions.
The debate between Pesina and Zulueta stemmed from the request of promoters of Leah Salonga, rock band Bamboo and independent film "Timawa meets Delgado", which is produced by Ilonggo producers.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog believes the legislative council should be more lenient in implementing the laws on amusement tax. In order to attract the investors, the legislative body should "bend a little." This will encourage businessmen to come and invest in the city, he said.
The vice mayor said the city government is trying to sell Iloilo as the festival capital to attract more businessmen and pour investments to the city.
The city is trying to get the title as the festival capital of the country with the number of festival in line with the tourism promotion. On top of the list is the Dinagyang festival and followed by Paraw Regatta.
Promotions for the fiesta of Jaro in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or Our Lady of Candles as well as Chinese New Year is being made to place Iloilo in the tourism map both in the national and international market.