By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental provincial government assured the Negrenses that there will be no immediate increase in real property taxes despite ongoing updates in land valuation, following concerns raised by the United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (Unifed).
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the reassessment of property values is mandated under Republic Act No. 12001, which seeks to modernize and standardize real property valuation nationwide.
Diaz explained that provincial, city and municipal assessors conducted extensive studies based on actual market data, including comparative sales, to determine updated property values.
These assessments, he noted, were initiated even before the recent surge in fuel prices.
He stressed that compliance with the law is mandatory, warning that failure to implement its provisions could be considered neglect of duty among government officials.
Despite this, Diaz clarified that updated valuations do not automatically result in higher taxes.
The provincial administrator said the law primarily aims to unify valuation systems across government agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue and local assessors and treasurers, to ensure consistent computation of taxes and fees related to land transactions.
The measure also introduces a centralized and digitalized real property database, expected to improve efficiency in revenue collection, reduce discrepancies and speed up processing.
It likewise provides amnesty on penalties, surcharges and interest for delinquent real property taxes.
Any adjustments in tax rates, Diaz added, will still depend on local government units (LGUs), with increases capped at six percent as required by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.
Review
Diaz emphasized that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and local officials are mindful of the current economic situation and are not inclined to impose additional financial burden on taxpayers at this time.
“All updated valuations will undergo review at the regional and national levels to ensure uniformity and protect landowners,” Diaz said.
While LGUs retain authority over implementation timelines, Diaz clarified that any possible deferment may be imposed through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which has jurisdiction over such provincial legislative actions, particularly in consideration of the current economic situation.
He also confirmed that the province has already complied with the April 10 deadline for submitting the updated Schedule of Market Values.
He added that the implementation of any increase is unlikely in the immediate term, as Negros Occidental continues to grapple with the impact of rising fuel costs and broader economic challenges.
Diaz urged Negrenses to understand that the provincial government is fulfilling its legal obligations while ensuring safeguards are in place to protect taxpayers.
Earlier this week, Unifed raised concern that the proposed increase in real property tax in Negros Occidental could worsen financial pressures on key industries, especially the sugar sector.
Unifed called on authorities to defer the implementation of higher property taxes, stressing that current economic conditions remain fragile.
“Imposing an increase in real property tax under present conditions is untimely and may adversely affect economic recovery and the overall welfare of the people,” the Unifed resolution stated./CJ, WDJ