By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental will work for a “win-win” solution for both the delinquent real property owners and the provincial government, which is collecting P2.8 billion tax obligations for 2020 and prior years.

Board Member Rommel Debulgado, chair of the SP committee on Finance, said the proposed tax relief ordinance is one of the COVID-19 pandemic responses of the provincial government, “not for the health but economic benefits of real property owners.”

He said that the SP wants to be fair with both the taxpayers and for the provincial government to have revenues, for use in extending services to Negrenses.

“The time is now calling for leniency, compromise to taxpayers, who are now experiencing the effects of the pandemic,” Debulgado pointed out

Under the proposed tax relief ordinance, 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.

Provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said no interest will be added to the compromised deal.

“If it cannot be obligated within the 24-month period, then the agreement will be invalidated,” he said.

Debulgado said that the P2.8-billion uncollected taxes are coming from the municipalities of Negros Occidental, excluding the component cities.

The collected taxes will be shared by the town, which will have a share of 45 percent, while the province and barangay are entitled to receive 35 percent and 20 percent, respectively, he added.

Debulgado said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson wants the proposed tax relief ordinance to take effect within the second quarter of the year./DGB, WDJ