PB grants tax relief for Yolanda-affected businesses

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board has approved the granting of relief to delinquent business taxpayers in the Municipality of Daanbantayan due to severe devastation brought by typhoon Yolanda.

The PB committee on ways and means chaired by Board Member Horacio Franco recommended the approval of the municipal ordinance that was recently approved by Daanbantayan Mayor  Vicente Loot.

Loot said they will also request the provincial government to also grant relief on real property taxes.

Sponsored by Vice Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr., the ordinance provides the condonation of interests, penalties and surcharges of unpaid business taxes for the year 2013 up to 2016.

The condonation can be availed by delinquent business taxpayers until March 31, 2017.

Delinquent business taxpayers may pay 50 percent of the total delinquency upon application and the balance may be paid on installment provided that the full payment shall not go beyond the March 31, 2017 deadline.

Daanbantayan was severely devastated by super typhoon Yolanda when it hit on November 8, 2013, destroying most of the business establishments in the municipality and badly affecting local businesses.

Due to huge business losses, many of the business establishments, especially the small and medium enterprises, were reportedly unable to pay their business taxes and had ceased business operations.

"It is the duty of the government to help these business establishments and entrepreneurs in restoring their business and provide assistance to lessen their burden and sufferings from the negative impact of the calamity," read the town council resolution. (FREEMAN)