Approximately 10,000 dangling wires are under the care of the Public Order & Safety Division (POSD). Thus. the proposed "Anti-Dangling Wire Ordinance" of Councilor Vladimir Cayabas mandating the proper installation, maintenance, and removal of hazardous dangling wires within the city. **Photo by neimless_skills
Back in the Baguio City Council this term after a six-year hiatus from public service, Councilor Edison Bilog has proposed a tax amnesty covering penalties, surcharges, and interest on unpaid taxes including business taxes, regulatory fees, and real property taxes incurred before July 5, 2024.
Aligned with Republic Act Nos. 10012 and 12001, the proposed ordinance seeks to ease the financial burden on Baguio residents and businesses affected by recent economic hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation and to encourage them to settle their dues voluntarily.
Under the proposed ordinance, both delinquent and currently unpaid tax obligations qualify for relief with only the basic tax needing to be paid and a 100% waiver of penalties, surcharges, and interest.
Special Education Fund (SEF) taxes, idle land taxes, and similar real property-related charges are likewise eligible for full relief from penalties, surcharges, and interest.
The amnesty will be available for two years, from the effectivity of RA 12001 (July 5, 2024) until July 5, 2026.
Taxpayers have two payment options: lump-sum/full payment of the basic tax or installment plan of up to 12 months. Once fully paid, they will be issued a tax amnesty certificate of compliance.
Payers within the first 12 months after the enactment of the ordinance may enjoy faster processing of clearances and faster issuance of business permits.
However, all properties already sold at public auction, covered by compromise agreements, and involved in pending cases are disqualified from the amnesty.
Likewise, disqualification as well as penalties apply to taxpayers who submit false documents, misrepresent eligibility, and attempt to defraud the program.
The City Assessor’s Office will be tasked to establish a real property valuation unit which will prepare, maintain, and update the Schedule of Market Values (SMV) for all classes of real property within the city. The unit must conduct public consultations to gather input and ensure community awareness and participation.
Once finalized, the SMV will be officially published and will serve as the basis for future real property assessments in the city.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and referred to the Committee on Appropriations and Finance Cluster B for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
