- Advertisement -

THE capitol and the town governments of Tagoloan and Villanueva may collect real property taxes from the Phividec Industrial Estate.

Misamis Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Mari Pelaez said this based on an opinion released by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) on the question of whether or not the provincial and town governments can demand payment of real property taxes from Phividec.

- Advertisement -

Pelaez said he received a letter from BLGF executive director Raymond Alvina who stated that the capitol may impose such taxes on Phividec based on the Local Government Code, the Philippine Economic and Zoning Authority law, and a duly enacted ordinance.

Based on the BLGF letter, he said, the proceeds should be distributed to the municipalities and barangays in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code.

The provincial board earlier conducted an inquiry on the extent of the revenue collection powers of the provincial government. Pelaez said Phividec administrator  Franklin Quijano and Peza representatives, among others, came.

Pelaez said the position of the provincial board has always been the local governments have a rightful claim and that they could impose real property taxes on the Phividec even if the area it occupies has been converted into a special economic zone.

“Since 2017, I have been pushing for the collection of RPTs [from] Phividec. The provincial government of Misamis Oriental should rightfully claim what is due to the people of Misamis Oriental. We will claim 100 percent of the RPTs, and we will also claim all back taxes [since] 1992. I am very happy with the adherence of BLGF [to] our cause through the issuance of a legal opinion. This is a significant breakthrough for state of revenue collection of the province. This will be one of my legacies as I leave the realms of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan come July, and I will not stop until we get what we deserve even as I will be treading on another role in government,” he said. (PR)

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -