Marikina City gov’t offers tax amnesty to flood victims

The Marikina City government has granted tax amnesty to delinquent business taxpayers in consideration of those who have yet to recover fully from the destructive effects of Tropical Storm “Ondoy.”

According to a city ordinance approved recently by the city council, business owners who have not paid their taxes since 2009 are exempted from paying the interest and penalties as long as they pay their taxes in full.

“The city government of Marikina is aware that some businesses in the city have not yet recovered from the recession aggravated by the adverse effects of ‘Ondoy’ in 2009,” the two-page ordinance said.

City officials reminded the public that they could avail themselves of the amnesty until June 30.

After that, the regular rates for interests and penalties will be imposed.

Earlier, the city government granted a 50-percent discount on real property taxes from 2010 to 2015.

The move was also seen as way to ease the financial burden of residents who bore the brunt of the storm which submerged a huge part of Metro Manila in floodwater.