Fish producers seek extension of tax amnesty
Deliberations are out today for the six-month extension sought by Iloilo’s largest fish producers group relative to the tax amnesty of the Iloilo Provincial Government.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, the request came from the Iloilo Fish Producers Association Incorporated (IFPA). Relatedly, a similar request was also received by the Committee from acting provincial treasurer Corazon Beloria.
Coursed through Governor Niel Tupas Sr., the request for extension of the grant of tax amnesty was deemed necessary "to give ample time for delinquent real property owners to pay their taxes."
"Given the low rate of the availment for the tax amnesty and considering the long period of vacations in the month of December, he (referring to Tupas) strongly recommends an extension of three (3) months or until March 31, 2009 for the period of tax amnesty granted under Appropriation Ordinance No. 2008-077, Series of 2008," excerpts of the letter request went.
Both letter-request are pending with the Ways and Means Committee chaired by Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr.
The tax amnesty was approved by the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) and spelled over P48.6 million in penalties to be condoned. Tax relief of 100% too, on penalties, surcharges and interest that have accrued on delinquent real property in Iloilo.
Such as Iloilo recorded at least P2 billion in valued damage to property courtesy of Typhoon Frank's devastation in June.
Contained in a 22-paged report, Board Member Defensor Jr. championed the plea of affected Ilonggos.
"Undeniably, the grant of the proposed tax relief is truly within the spirit of the General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code," the conclusion of the committee's recommendation went.
"The advantage of having a tax relief in effect in tax collection, is obviously not collecting more, but rather collecting sooner and above estimated collectibles. The tax relief serves as sufficient incentive that encourages taxpayers to pay and that which overcomes the expected delinquency brought by the hard times," the report stated. "The condition of the province with the lingering effects of the typhoons, favors immediate collection rather than the long haul. Be that as it may, there is good reason to grant the proposed tax relief to real property taxpayers with respect to penalty, surcharge and interest. Based on the foregoing discussion, it is clear that, it is in the best interest of the Province. Clearly, the benefit outweighs the corresponding deprivation that would be caused the coffers of the Province."
And the bottom line too, Defensor Jr. noted, was that tax amnesty as now proposed will help rebuild lives and revitalize Iloilo's economy.
The town of Miag-ao benefited most with the highest in delinquent real property taxpayers on record numbering to 16,897.