The balikbayan is king, or will be king in Dagupan.

 

This was the gist of the proposed ordinance that a city councilor has presented to balikbayans in a bid to make them invest in a business in the city. 

 

To fast track his plans, Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo posted his draft in The PUNCH’s ONLINE version (http://punch.dagupan.com) to solicit overseas Pangasinenses’ comments on his proposed ordinance “Encouraging the influx of investment of capital in Dagupan City from Balikbayans, foreign investors and other entrepreneurs.”

 

In his draft, proposed among other things the creation of the information office for balikbayan affairs, prospective migrating workers, entrepreneurs and job placement for domestic workers and a migrating worker with special skills.

 

He also sought to specify special benefits and privileges to include a15- 25% discount in the assessment of real property tax payable for 3 years, a set of graduated discounts on business taxes, and discounts to be enjoyed in local hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers.

 

The initial reactions received, however, were not encouraging.

 

Jeremias Carrera of Guam (jac007@ite.net) wrote: “There is no need for all of this “bola-bola” ordinance that you proposed. Just provide an “environment” that would attract the balikbayans like peace and order, less corruption, no drugs and educate the people especially the politicians and the young to be respectful  (good manners and right conduct).”

 

Carrera cited as an example the policy introduced by Immigrations Commissioner Al Fernandez, former Dagupan City mayor, reducing the application fee for dual citizenship.

 

Eduardo Pontaoe of Chicago, Illinois USA (ed.pontaoe@eurorscg.com) expressed his doubts.

 

He wrote: “…what I cannot fathom is why you need our input in the structure of the ordinance? Is it a calculated move or a ploy to make us feel important? Or, is it your cup of tea to impress us that we are invited to get involve that we know for fact is a huge play on your part?”

 

Pontaoe went to deride the performance of the city council “…The chronic absenteeism of your fellow members in the City Council is well known this part of the world. That’s the problem of the supposed “servants of the people” after they hoodwinked the voters to vote for them, they are into their obnoxious ways.”

 

These remarks can be read at PUNCH ONLINE’s “Punch Forum”

 

Councilor Tamayo could not reached for his own reaction to the comments posted.

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