QC barangays get P257-M in tax shares

For the first time since the passage of the Local Government Code in 1991, Quezon City barangays are finally getting their shares in the collection of the city’s real property taxes.

This, after Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. ordered the transfer of some P256.9 million as real property tax share (RPTS) of the barangays for the first quarter of 2003, in simple turnover rites at the QC Hall Bulwagan.

"What we are giving the barangays right now is not simply money. It is full fiscal autonomy and responsibility," Belmonte said.

The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the barangay with a 30 percent share in the collection of real property taxes. However, poor fiscal management from the previous administration has hampered the distribution of the barangay share. Except for Barangay UP Village, which has appealed its case, not a single barangay in the city was able to receive its tax share since 1991.

Of the 142 barangays, Barangay South Triangle in District IV received the biggest real property tax share with P8.1 million, followed closely by Barangay Pansol in District III, with P7.3 million. Also getting real property shares were Barangays Talipapa in District II and Sto. Cristo in District I, with P5.2 million and P4.3 million, respectively.

"The city government is now giving the barangays its full trust and confidence. "You decide on what to do with your money, but we expect a check and balance to develop within the barangays for your all expenditures," Belmonte said.

The real property tax share is one of three sources of revenues for the barangays. The other two are the Internal Revenue Allotment and collections from the barangay itself, including issuance of barangay clearance and certifications.

City Treasurer Victor Endriga disclosed that all previous balance of the barangay share shall be given by the city government on a staggered basis within the year.

Endriga said the second quarter transfer of RPTS share has been scheduled on July 10 while the first tranche of the share for calendar year 2002 has been set on Aug. 5. The second tranche has been scheduled on Nov. 10.

The city government, under the Belmonte administration, has made revenue collection as a centerpiece program, to ensure the delivery of quality services to city residents.

For the first quarter of the year alone the city has already posted about P501.9 million in revenues from the collection of real estate taxes.