PALO, Leyte – Publisher and advocate for transport safety, farmer empowerment, and consumer protection, Ray Junia, has filed a case with the Ombudsman against Atty. Edith Yap, the Regional Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional Office No. 14.
This action arises from BIR's alleged failure to respond to Junia's letter regarding the urgent request for suspension and review of the BIR Regional Order 1-24 on Zonal Values, which has led to a significant increase in zonal values for real estate in the region.
According to the complaint document, Junia sent a letter to the BIR on November 29, 2024, which was received by the agency on the same day.
However, he received no response from the agency within the following 15 days.
Junia's camp contends that this inaction clearly violates Section 5(a) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) as well as Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018).
In his complaint, Junia calls on the Ombudsman to investigate the BIR's lack of action regarding his inquiry and to impose appropriate penalties on BIR officials who failed to respond to his letter in the designated timeframe.
He also requests that BIR carry out necessary actions concerning his concerns about the zonal value increases.
Unprecedented Rise in Zonal Values
In his letter, Junia acknowledged the importance of updating zonal values to align real estate valuations with actual market conditions.
However, he expressed concern over the substantial increases in these values, which could inhibit real estate investments, exacerbate the financial burdens on farmers, and hinder economic growth in rural areas.
Significant Zonal Value Increases in Leyte
A copy of the documents he obtained reveals a dramatic rise in zonal values in Leyte. For instance, in coconut land located in towns within the 1st district of Leyte, the values have increased.
Alang-alang which shows an increase from ₱3/sqm (1997) to ₱90/sqm (2024). Palo with ₱8/sqm (1996) now at ₱90/sqm (2024) and Babatngon, from ₱5.20/sqm (2002) to ₱100/sqm (2024).
These significant increases in zonal values are expected to have a considerable impact on the real estate sector and on farmers residing in these provinces, according to Junia.
Junia's push for accountability and action from the BIR reflects a broader concern about the implications of rising zonal values for economic development and the financial well-being of rural communities.
As he navigates this legal challenge, the outcome may influence future policies and practices affecting real estate valuations and farmer livelihoods in the region.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #OpinYonCoverStory #BIR