By Tony Macapagal

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday appealed to taxpayers to settle their obligations ahead of the Jan. 20 deadline to avoid frayed nerves.

He also called on city hall employees, especially those assigned in assisting the taxpaying public, ?to exert all efforts to make their stay here while clearing their tax papers and remitting their dues cool, safe, and pleasant, and worthwhile.?

Lim warned tellers and other revenue-taking personnel against improper issuance of official receipts, or worse, diverting payments for personal gain.

?Forwarned is forearmed: Any government worker discovered directing tax money into his or her personal account will be severely dealt with accordingly.?

Aside from honesty in dealing with taxpayers?including the right computation of what they have to remit?employees in the frontline should render service with a smile, winked Lim.

The tax-paying period is from Jan. 5 to Jan. 20 unless the city council approves a resolution to extend the schedule.

Remitting one?s dues after deadline will be slapped additional interests and/or surcharges.

Taxpayers would include owners of business establishments operating in Manila, and owners of real properties and operators of heavy machineries and equipment.

City treasurer Erlinda Marteja announced that employees of her department and other revenue-collecting offices, including the bureau of permits and assessor?s office, will be reporting for work on weekends, attending to taxpayers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. On weekdays, they will stay up to 8 p.m.