BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Providing relief to taxpayers, the city government has voluntarily reduced the real property tax (RPT) on land to 60 percent of the approved increase for two years.
From 2024 to 2025, taxpayers will enjoy a 40 percent discount on their RPT payments on land, with the full 100 percent payment to resume in 2026.
The tax relief was decided following a meeting presided by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, together with City Administrator Melchor Tan, City Assessor Cesar Jalbuena Jr., City Treasurer Jinny Hermano, and Executive Assistant Nelson Parreño on Tuesday morning, Jan. 2.
“This is in view of the many inquiries we are getting on the increase in RPT. We discussed the matter at hand, and decided that to the best interest of the public, the taxpayers will only pay 60 percent taxes on land properties based on the new market values for two years,” Treñas said.
The city mayor added that an amendatory ordinance will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Hermano, for his part, said excess payments will be considered by the City Treasurer’s Office as tax credits for the next years.
Treñas further emphasized that taxes are the lifeblood of government, saying it is essential for city operations.
He urged the public to pay their taxes promptly.
“The revenue raised from taxation is vital for our operations especially now that there are devolved functions to the local government due to Mandanas-Garcia ruling; and to finance our various programs and projects like roads, school buildings, and other important infrastructure like the Iloilo City Action and Response centers, free dialysis centers, and other pro-poor programs,” said Treñas./PN