BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed tax relief ordinance is a “win-win” solution for both delinquent real property owners, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental, that is collecting P2.8 billion in tax obligations for 2020 and prior years, Board Member Rommel Debulgado, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Finance, said yesterday.
Debulgado said the proposed tax relief ordinance is one of the Covid-19 pandemic responses of the provincial government, not for health, but for the economic benefits of real property owners.
But he said that the SP wants to be fair with both the taxpayers and the provincial government to also have the revenues needed in extending services to Negrenses.
“The time is now calling for leniency and compromise with taxpayers, who are experiencing the effects of the pandemic,” Debulgado said.
Under the proposed tax relief ordinance, that is set to be submitted by the Capitol executive department, real property owners will be required to pay 20 percent of their tax obligations, with the remaining 80 percent to be paid within 24 months, either monthly or on quarterly basis, depending on the restructured plans.
During the two-year grace period, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said no interest will be added to the compromised deal. If it cannot be obligated within the 24 months period, then the agreement will be invalidated, he said.
Debulgado said that the P2.8 billion uncollected taxes come from the municipalities of Negros Occidental.
The collected taxes will be shared by the town, that will have a share of 45 percent, while the province and barangays are entitled to receive 35 percent and 20 percent, respectively, he added. Debulgado said that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson wants the proposed tax relief ordinance to take effect in the second quarter of the year.*
