TACLOBAN CITY – The city government here is urging delinquent real property owners to settle their tax obligations before the January 31 deadline, as unpaid real property taxes have accumulated to more than P200 million over the past five years.
City Treasurer’s Office Officer-in-Charge Jennifer Guy disclosed during a press conference on Friday, January 3, that over 1,000 property owners in the city have yet to pay their delinquent taxes, prompting the local government to consider implementing a tax amnesty program.
“The amount of about P200 million represents accumulated delinquencies from more than 1,000 real property owners over the past five years,” Guy said later in an interview with Leyte Samar Daily Express.
Guy made an appeal to delinquent taxpayers to settle their unpaid taxes, emphasizing that the city government is considering adopting a tax amnesty program similar to the one implemented by the national government.
“The national government has imposed a tax amnesty, and we are considering adopting a similar measure. It’s now up to the city mayor to endorse this proposal to the city council for the passage of a corresponding ordinance,” Guy explained.
Under the proposed tax amnesty, delinquent property owners will be allowed to pay only the basic amount of their unpaid taxes and special assessment fees without incurring penalties or surcharges.
Guy stressed the importance of collecting the P200 million in unpaid real property taxes, saying the funds are crucial to sustaining the city government’s operations and funding various programs and services.
“This involves a huge amount of money that could help sustain the city government’s operations and fund important programs and services,” she said.
The City Treasurer’s Office has been conducting campaigns to remind delinquent property owners of their obligations.
Guy said they have sent out notices at least three times to these taxpayers, and if they fail to settle their accounts, the office issues a warrant of levy.
“We are sending notices to delinquent property owners at least three times. If they still fail to pay, we issue a warrant of levy, which allows the city government to seize the property and subject it to public auction,” Guy explained.
The city government is hopeful that the proposed amnesty program will encourage delinquent property owners to settle their unpaid taxes and help boost the city’s financial resources.
“Ultimately, we want them to pay their obligations because the city government needs this funding to continue providing essential services to our constituents,” Guy said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
