City extends business permit renewal to Feb. 28
BACOLOD CITY -- After Mayor Evelio Leonardia requested yesterday for the deferment of the imposition of the New Revenue Code, the Sangguniang Panglungsod also approved the request of the Local Chief Executive to extend the deadline for the renewal of Business Application until February 28, 2009 instead of February 13, 2009.
In his letter addressed to Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and to all members of Bacolod City Council, Leonardia said that in order to give more time to our taxpayers to familiarize with the revised rates of the 2009 Revenue Code of the City, he is therefore, requesting the august body for the passage of a Resolution extending the deadline of payment of business and quarterly taxes from Feb. 13 to Feb. 28, 2009.
During the regular press conference yesterday, Leonardia acknowledged that the recent economic meltdown which most countries are experiencing have been the major factor why he decided to extend the date for the renewal of business permit. With regards to the deferment of the New Revenue Code, he believes that this could resolve the public sentiments opposing the new rate.
"I am the kind of Mayor who listens to the sentiments of the people that's why I asked the City Council to defer for a while the implementation of the New Revenue Code," Leonardia added.
Leonardia had already received copies of the complaint filed by SM Prime holdings Incorporated asking the Department of Justice for the revocation of New Revenue Code or City Ordinance 474.
He said that SM Prime Holdings has contacted him before filing the complaint with the Justice Department.
He again expressed that the taxes imposed by the city is legal and regular because for almost 15 years, the city of Bacolod did not adjust its tax rate.
"Some cities in Negros like Bago, Talisay and Silay have higher rates compared to the City of Bacolod," Leonardia lamented.
He further said that it's up for the Council to act on his request for the deferment of the New Revenue Code.