The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is advocating for the granting of amnesty for real properties in the province, in compliance with Republic Act 12001, also known as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), which was signed into law on June 13, 2024.
Board Member Ryan Maminta said that one of the salient features of the law is the grant of amnesty for unpaid obligations covering surcharges, penalties, and other obligations, which are separate from the base tax on delinquent real properties from the year 2023 and earlier.
He explained that in the next two years, real property owners will have the opportunity to pay their taxes without the inclusion of penalties and surcharges.
“Isinusulong natin na ma-adopt para naman malaman ng ating mga kababayan at makapagpatupad na rin ng maayos na paraan yung ating mga ahente kagaya ng Municipal Treasurer’s Office at yung ating provincial treasurer para mabawasan na yung bigat ng ating mga kababayan sa kanilang obligasyon sa mga ari-ariang hindi natitinag,” Maminta stated.
He added that while he does not have a record of delinquent real properties in the province, he has information that in the town of Sofronio Española alone, the collectibles can reach millions of pesos.
“For example, sa isang real property tax, ang unpaid obligation ay nasa P25,000, and for so many years, hindi nabayaran kaya nag-incur ng surcharges and penalties. Ay kung umabot na ng P50,000 because of unpaid obligations, mawe-waive na o magkakaroon ng grant ng amnesty at yung P25,000 na lang ang babayaran,” he stated, adding that it will be a huge relief for the owner.
“Kasi maghihikayat ka ng tax compliance dito kaya hinihikayat natin na ipatupad na at huwag nang pwersahin ng pamahalaan yung paniningil ng surcharges and penalties,” he added.
He said that while it is the government’s mandate to collect real property taxes, they should also take into consideration the recent calamities and the pandemic that occurred.
“Kaya ang pakiusap natin, i-implement na at simulan nang gumawa ng sistema kung paano i-implement yung grant ng tax amnesty by virtue of RA 12001,” he said.
