The city government has waived the interest, penalties, and surcharges incurred for the non-payment of all local taxes, fees, charges, and fines.
This is still in line with the enhanced community quarantine, which was extended until April 26 to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, the City Council approved the ordinance effectively waiving the charges. The bill was submitted by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the committee on finance, ways and means and appropriation, certified urgent by the city mayor.
The lockdown measures quarantine protocols have limited the movement of people to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. The measures were adopted for the safety of the public and to prevent them from going outside where they can be exposed to the virus.
With the extension and waiver of interest, taxpayers can still pay their dues after the quarantine has been lifted without worrying about incurring penalties.
The ordinance cited Sec. 192 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides that “Local Government Units may, through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions as they may deem necessary.”
The city assured taxpayers that they will be provided with a fresh period to pay their taxes, fees, charges, and fines without interest, penalties, and surcharges upon the lifting of the community quarantine and the enhanced community quarantine.
