Iza Aldana
Jan 19, 2026
Teodoro slams discourteous treatment of taxpayers, orders strict accountability in Marikina government offices
MARIKINA CITY — Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro issued a stern warning to city hall employees following complaints of rude, disrespectful, and inefficient treatment of taxpayers and business owners transacting at City Hall.
The mayor’s rebuke came amid the year-end and early-year surge of residents paying real property taxes and renewing business permits—an annual rush that, according to Teodoro, does not excuse discourteous behavior toward the public.
Speaking during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, the mayor did not conceal her frustration over reports of unpleasant client experiences.
“Let’s be honest. I am disappointed and upset. We received reports that some taxpayers and business permit applicants were treated rudely and left with a bad experience. This is unacceptable,” Teodoro said.
The mayor stressed that such conduct directly erodes public trust, which she described as the foundation of effective local governance.
“This is not the kind of service Marikina stands for. This is not Alagang Marikina,” she emphasized.
Teodoro reminded all city personnel that long lines, heavy workloads, and pressure are never valid reasons to be disrespectful.
“Even when we are tired, respect and compassion must prevail. There is absolutely no place for rudeness in public service,” she said.
She also ordered offices handling public complaints—particularly those managing the Marikina e-Concern system—to immediately stop passing concerns from one office to another and ensure clear, swift, and decisive action.
“Do not treat people’s complaints like a basketball that gets passed around. Clarify them, act on them, and finish them. If needed, bring them directly to me so they can be resolved quickly,” the mayor warned.
According to Teodoro, every unresolved complaint reflects the entire department and the city government as a whole, making accountability non-negotiable.
While issuing firm warnings, the mayor also commended city agencies and personnel working together to maintain order and cleanliness along major roads, particularly Marcos Highway—proof, she said, that coordinated discipline produces visible results.
However, she cautioned that improvements must be sustained.
“There is no room for short-lived efforts in Marikina,” Teodoro said.
The mayor ended with a clear message to all city workers: public service in Marikina must always be defined by respect, compassion, and responsibility—not by rudeness.