MCWD asks Cebu City for more time in P69-M tax case

THE management of the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) asked for more time to redeem properties that were levied in relation to P69.6 million in property tax obligations to the Cebu City government.

MCWD general manager Armando Paredes said they cannot afford the loss of these properties in barangays Buhisan and Tisa which are used in operations.

Paredes wrote Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young expressing interest for an amicable settlement with the city.

He pointed out that Cebu City still has unpaid water bills of P82 million.

“Yet, MCWD gave leniency to Cebu City regarding its collection,” Paredes said in his June 21 letter.

The MCWD letter was included in the June 27 agenda of the City Council which referred it to the City Legal Office and the council committees on budget and utilities.

City Hall issued a Notice of Forfeiture of Real Property to MCWD.

MCWD has one year to settle its unpaid tax dues and redeem their property.

The one-year period expired last June 27.

Paredes said the MCWD is requesting for an extension of the redemption period especially since the agency and the City Assessor’s Office are still conducting a joint survey of the properties.

The MCWD board said in its June 20 resolution they have yet to determine which parts of Buhisan and Tisa properties are actually occupied. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac