Filipino operator Globe’s G-Xchange mobile money unit has teamed up with the local government in three cities so that residents can pay their property tax, as well as buy business and construction permits, using their mobile phones.

Using the GCash mobile payment services means not having to travel all the way to city hall and queue to pay tax and permits, said G-Xchange.

The unit is working with the local governments in Quezon City, Valenzuela City and Batangas City under USAID’s Scaling Innovation through Mobile Money (SIMM) project.

Users register for GCash by dialling a short code and then registering the relevant information.

However, not every service is available in each city. Quezon City residents can use GCash to pay for property taxes, while those in Batangas City can pay for business permits.

Meanwhile, residents in Valenzuela City can settle their property taxes as well as business and construction permit payments all using GCash.

Globe told GMA News Online that the current announcement was just the first phase of services it expects to launch with local government in the Philippines.