During times of calamities, how can local government units (LGUs) assure that their constituents can still pay local taxes and dues?
This is one issue a recent “urgent measure” passed at the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Biñan City, Laguna seeks to resolve, as the province begins to recover from the effects of weeklong rains that battered Luzon.
During its regular session on July 28, the Sangguniang Panglungsod passed on third and final reading a proposed ordinance by Councilor Liza Cardeño that seeks to extend the deadline of payment of local taxes, fees and duties under certain circumstances.
Under the ordinance, the deadline for the payment of local taxes and duties for residents and business establishments in the city will automatically be moved to the next working day if the deadline falls on a weekend, a regular holiday, or in cases where work in government offices is suspended on that day.
The city government will also waive the imposition of penalties, surcharges and interest on local taxes and duties should the deadline of payment be extended.
The measure specifically aimed to address the recent week-long rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) that was intensified by tropical storms “Crising” and “Dante” and typhoon “Emong.”
Cardeño’s ordinance specifically covers the period from July 20 to 25, when work in all government offices in Laguna province, except for offices concerned with frontline services and disaster response, were suspended for almost a week.
Meanwhile, another “urgent measure” enacted by the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Biñan on that day was a resolution filed by Vice Mayor Jonalina “Dada” Reyes, which expressed the support of the local government to a recent resolution filed in Congress by Biñan City Representative Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila, Jr.
In his House Resolution No. 33 which was filed last July 8, Dimaguila cited a "pressing need" for a comprehensive master plan to resolve the issue of flooding in communities along the shoreline of Laguna de Bay.
"The increasing siltation of Laguna Lake has significantly reduced its holding capacity, which may contribute to more frequent and severe flooding, and poses a threat to aquatic life and water quality," he stressed.
The House resolution also called for a review of all existing flood control projects along Laguna de Bay.
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