Property owners urged: Pay taxes before July 3

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has urged real property owners to take full advantage of the amnesty program by paying their tax obligation on or before the July 3, 2026 deadline, stressing that this is a rare chance to ease financial burdens while strengthening the city’s fiscal foundation.

Real Property Tax is an annual levy imposed by local governments on land, buildings, and other improvements.

It is based on the assessed value of property and is a critical source of revenue for cities and municipalities, funding infrastructure, health services, and education programs.

Over the years, many property owners have struggled with unpaid obligations, often compounded by surcharges, penalties, and interest that make settlement difficult.

The Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), Republic Act No. 12001, signed into law in June 2024, introduced reforms to modernize property valuation and taxation nationwide.

Among its key provisions is a two year amnesty program that allows property owners to settle unpaid RPT obligations incurred before July 5, 2024, by paying only the basic tax due.

All penalties, surcharges, and interest are waived, giving taxpayers a clean slate while boosting local government revenue collection.

Mayor Archival emphasized that the program reflects his administration’s commitment to “Taking Action, Taking Care of Our Constituents.”

He explained, “This is very important kay ang atong government makatabang sa atong mga constituents nga ang ilang bayranan sa ilang real property tax dili dako kay amnestiya man ni.”

He stressed that the initiative is designed not only to ease individual burdens but also to ensure Cebu City can continue investing in development projects.

Atty. Kenneth Vercide, who has been closely monitoring the implementation, clarified about the deadline set.

“Even if the law mentions that the hardest deadline is July 5, 2026, nihangyo ang atong city treasurer (Emma Villarete) nga ang applications ani ang pinaka last is July 3 because July 5 is a Sunday. So the last working day is actually July 3,” Vercide explained, urging property owners not to wait until the last minute.

The amnesty, however, does not apply to properties already sold at public auction for tax delinquency, those under active compromise agreements, or those with pending tax delinquency cases in court.

City officials are encouraging property owners to visit the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office immediately to verify their accounts, review payment options including installment arrangements and clear their records before the deadline. — (FREEMAN)