MANILA, Philippines ? The Makati City government yesterday urged property owners to pay their taxes early to avail themselves of discounts and speedy service at electronic payment centers.

Mayor Jejomar Binay said a 10-percent discount would be given to those who pay their realty taxes on an annual basis, while a five-percent discount would be offered to those paying on a quarterly basis.

A five-percent discount will also be given if payment is made in the first 20 days of the quarter. Taxpayers who fail to pay during the period will incur a monthly penalty of two percent.

Binay said that starting today, the city?s electronic realty tax payment centers would be open in 13 barangays for the convenience of taxpayers.

The 13 barangays scheduled to accept payments for realty taxes are: Bel-Air, January 5 and 6; Dasmariñas, January 7; Forbes Park, January 8; San Lorenzo, January 9 and 11; Magallanes, January 12; Urdaneta, January 13; Tejeros, January 14; San Antonio, Jan. 14; Bangkal, January 15; Pio del Pilar, January 15; Guadalupe Nuevo, January 16; East Rembo, January 16; and West Rembo, January 18.

Payments will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.