San Pedro City is now one step closer in achieving its goal of being a "SmART City."
This, after the Sangguniang Panglungsod recently passed an ordinance authorizing the use of electronic payment methods for government transactions and services inside the San Pedro City Hall.
Under City Ordinance No. 2025-10 which was authored by Councilor and incoming Laguna Provincial Board Member Bernadeth Olivares, the city government will soon recognize and authorize the use of electronic and online payment channels for the payment of taxes, fees, and other charges.
In a social media post, Olivares said the new ordinance is in line with the goal of the administration of Mayor Art Mercado to make government services more "accessible, efficient, and citizen-centered."
"While we have made great strides in improving our frontline services, panahon na din to embrace the tools of modern governance," the councilor asserted.
However, Olivares clarified that the new ordinance does not mean traditional and cash-based payments will soon be superseded by electronic and online payment methods.
"This does not replace traditional payment methods. This serves as an expansion of our capacity to serve. Whether a taxpayer prefers over-the-counter, mobile wallets, bank transfers, or QR code payments — ngayon, may choices na tayo," she added.
Since Mercado took office in 2022, the San Pedro city government has implemented various programs that utilize technology to provide faster and more efficient government services.
The San Pedro City LGU is now expected to release in coming weeks the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the rollout of the use of digital and online payment services for its government transactions.
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