City Government extends until June 30 the 1st quarter payment of local taxes

The City Government has extended the period of payment for 1st quarter’s local taxes until June 30, 2020.

City Councilor Victor Oliveros, the plenary’s majority floor leader, told Palawan Daily News (PDN) Saturday this is to give the citizens allowance to regain what they have lost during the entire period of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“Ang [usual] date ay [until] April 30, so inextend namin ng two months’ kaya June 30. Siyempre alam naman natin ‘yong mga pangyayari ‘diba. Lahat tayo naka-quarantine, walang kumikita. Talagang naka-freeze, hindi lang naka-freeze [kung hindi] talagang down,” said Oliveros.

“Iyong first month (May) is to make them really recover, para maibsan naman ‘yong kanilang paghihirap, ‘yong kanilang pagkaka-problema dito, at inextend natin ‘yon na para makabawi naman ng isang buwan pa (June),” he added.

This decision was finalized through an ordinance in a special session of the City Council Wednesday, April 15.

In a copy of this ordinance no. 1051 posted Friday at the official Facebook page of the City Mayor’s Office (CMO), it was indicated that this extended period for payment applies to Local Business Tax, Real Property Tax, Amusement Tax, and Transfer Tax.

In the measure also was reiterated that it covers only the local taxes payable within the first quarter of this present year by Puerto Princesa establishments, which areas of operation have been affected by the crisis brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year lang, ‘yong this year. ‘Yong mga delinquents noong nakaraan hindi siyempre kasama ‘yon,” he said.

Oliveros further stated the City Government as of the press time is looking forward that regular operations in Puerto Princesa will resume by May this year after ECQ has been lifted.

However, Oliveros added the City Council is ready to make further decision on the matter should there be another extension in the ECQ.