Duterte forms interagency body to implement Local Government Reform Project

Real Property Tax. Stock image

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has formed an “interagency governing board” that would implement the Local Government Reform Project (LGRP).

The LGRP, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, aims to boost local government units’ revenue from real property taxes by improving its capability to assess and appraise property values.

In his Administrative Order (AO) No. 40 signed April 27 but made public Wednesday, Duterte designated the Finance Secretary as chair of the board.

President Duterte forms an interagency governing board to implement the Local Government Reform Project. | @KAguilarINQ pic.twitter.com/4kUk3dSGyX

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 28, 2021

Members of the board include representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Local Government Finance.

There should also be a representative from the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities, from a non-government organization, and from the private sector.

Duterte ordered the board to strengthen institutional development and policy support property valuation and implement property tax valuation database and information systems.

The board was also directed to enhance real property taxation of LGUs and professionalize its local assessors.

Under the AO, the board is deemed dissolved on July 31, 2024 “unless extended by the President.”

Before it is dissolved, the board must make public its accomplishments detailing the activities, projects or programs implemented through the LGRP.

KGA