Manila offers amnesty to property tax payers

Manila’s amnesty for unpaid property and machinery taxes was formally approved by the city council, enabling delinquent residents to pay their dues of P20,000 and up, and take advantage of the discounts offered.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza made this announcement yesterday as he expressed his appreciation to the city council for the expeditious approval of the ordinance covering the amnesty after asking for it last Oct. 2.

Atienza said the amnesty should be the city’s contribution to cushioning the impact of the spiraling oil prices and the falling peso.

The council’s ways and means committee had earlier signified its willingness to pass the ordinance after receiving Atienza’s letter.

Atienza said in the letter that aside from collecting unpaid taxes, the city’s efforts to identify delinquent taxpayers would be minimized.

Under the scheme, those with unpaid property and machinery taxes of between P20,000 and P100,000 shall be given a discount of five-percent upon payment. Those with unpaid taxes higher than P100,000 may pay their dues in four successive monthly installments with a five-percent discount each time payments are made on time. The monthly payments, however, shall start upon the signing of a compromise agreement with the City Treasurer.

Atienza lauded the members of the council saying, "they have once again proven that they can be counted on to act expeditiously on matters that redound to the common good." – Jose Aravilla