BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod here approved on first reading the measure that would grant tax relief to delinquent real property taxpayers in this city through the condonation of penalties, interest and surcharges imposed and providing mechanisms for its proper implementation.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, author of the proposed ordinance, said the city government expects some degree of “shortfall” due to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This may be compensated by encouraging tax payers to pay their real property taxes (RPTs) without the additional burden of penalties, interest and surcharges, he added.
“The COVID-19 pandemic slowed economic activities in this city. Thus, affecting businesses and residents, especially during the imposition of community quarantine,” Ramos said.
Part of the prosed measure cited that: “Delinquent taxpayers who shall pay in full from Sept. 30, or earlier, to Dec. 31 shall enjoy 100-percent condonation on all penalties, interest and surcharges on delinquent RPTs.”
Those who pay in full from Jan.1, 2021 to April 1, 2021, meanwhile, shall enjoy 50 percent condonation on penalties, interest and surcharges on deliquent RPTs.
“If the unpaid taxes accumulated to a considerable amount, which shall make it onerous for taxpayers to pay in one lumpsum, the City Treasurer Office is authorized to allow liquidation of the total unpaid taxes in installments,” the ordinance added.
Ramos cited Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which mandates local government units (LGUs) to craft measures to mitigate the contagion of COVID-19.
LGUs were also ordered to mobilize assistance to persons affected by the disease and undertake program for recovery and rehabilitation through provisions of social amelioration and safety nets to all affected sectors./PN
