Davao to have computerized tracking system for local laws

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city government is completing its computerized tracking system for resolutions and ordinances, which will be made available to the public within two years. Councilor Teresita Mata-Marañon, chairman of the committee on information and communications technology, said the project, which was started in 2003, has been implemented on a "piecemeal" basis. Upon completion, the system will be available on the Internet for easy public access to local laws, including those enacted as far back as 50 years ago, Ms. Marañon said. She said the city government has spent P5 million for the project, and she has proposed that the public pay a fee to avail of the service. "It would also be good if the system earns because we [the city government] will have to pay for operating it," she added, but the service will be free for government agencies. Ms. Marañon said the system will first provide the abstract of local bills for free, but the details will be accessed for a fee. The councilor said other technology projects include the computerization of the real property tax system, which was implemented last year, and computerization of purchasing and bidding systems. Last year, the city government approved a P40-million budget for the computerization of real property tax records. The project, would minimize corruption, said city treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola. — Carmelito Q. Francisco, BusinessWorld