Upgrade of Baguio real properties value pushed

By Ramon Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- The Local Finance Committee has asked anew the SangguniangPanglunsod to upgrade the fair and current market values of real properties that “have stagnated since 1996” despite provision of the Local Government Code that revision of the same be made every three years.

The LCF reiterated the city’s need to increase the real property values in an addendum to its endorsement last April of the applications of two establishments here to register as information technology centers under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

“With the growing concerns of the city needing financial support, it is imperative that we take advantage of the power of taxation granted under R.A. 7160 to ensure continuous delivery of basic services to our residents in the most effective and efficient way,” the committee said.

While “interposing no objection” to the applications of Abanao Square and Neutrinos IT Center with the PEZA, the committee noted that the realty taxes paid on land for the said enterprises “is very low considering that the properties are located within the Central Business District”.

The LCF is chaired by city budget officer Leticia Clemente and is composed of city treasurer Thelma Manaois, accountant Antonio Tabin, administrator Carlos Canilao, planning officer Evelyn Cayat and city assessor Augustus Medina.

Medina  in September, 2010 submitted to the city council the proposed revised schedule of values for land, buildings, machineries, plant and trees. He cited in his transmittal letter a Department of Finance order instructing all city assessors to undertake a mandatory  general revision in accordance with provisions of the local government code.

Medina said the “schedule of values for land reflects an increase of 298.60 (percent) over the schedule of values approved in 1996 that was fully implemented in 1998 under Tax Ordinance 2000-01”.

The schedule, he said, ” was derived from data gathered from advertisement, mortgages and valie sales transition from the monthly report of (the) Register of Deeds”.

The city council is expected act this Monday on the requests of Abanao Square and Neutrinus Enterprises for endorsement to their IT accreditation with the PEZA and also on two measures seeking condonation of surcharges to delayed or delinquent real property taxes.

Up for discussion are a proposed ordinance giving amnesty on delinquencies in real property taxes authored by vice-mayor Daniel Farinas and another co-authored by seven city councilors “providing rules and regulations for an incentive plan for the payment of real property tax delinquency in Baguio City and for other purposes”.

Councilor Edison Bilog authored the second measure, with co-authors and councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Fred Bagbagen, Peter Fianza, ErdolfoBalajadia calling for discussion en banc, and councilor Elmer Datuin signifying “with certain amendments” .

Councilors NicasioPalaganas and Joel Alangsab recommended that the proposals be referred to the city treasurer for comment.

The council’s committee on ways and means and finance, cluster B, recommended approval of the two proposals on second reading.