Metrobriefs

No amnesty for Manila taxpayers for now

The Manila City Council has put off action on a proposal to grant amnesty to delinquent real estate and business taxpayers, a move expected to generate between P300 million to P500 million for the city. Councilor John Chua, principal author of the draft ordinance which was up for third reading, said this was after Mayor Joseph Estrada said he was considering other options that would generate a bigger income for the cash-strapped administration. “The executive is in a position to determine where the city can earn more and we will try to cooperate,” Chua said. He added that one option was to foreclose and auction off the property of delinquent taxpayers although the process would take a long time. “If you want an immediate solution to the problem, tax amnesty is the answer,” Chua added. Draft Ordinance No. 7525 proposes to grant tax relief on interests, surcharges and penalties for delinquent real estate and business taxpayers covering 2012 and previous years.  Erika Sauler