“There is no imposition of penalties and charges kung dili makabayad until September 30,” he added.

But De Peralta clarified the resolution is “effective only (from) April 1 until September 30” and advised taxpayers who “failed to pay January payments be charged of penalties.”

Tax payments will resume after 6 months or on October and onwards.

According to De Peralta, the resolution was crafted “in pursuant to Section 17 of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,” wherein “the Sangguniang Panlalawigan may, or justifiable reason or cause, extend the payment of such taxes, fees or charges without surcharges or penalties but only for a period not exceeding six months.”

“This is just a moratorium in the payment of the RPT, or pag-delay sa payment until the said date,” he added.

“In order to lighten the burden of our constituents during the time of crisis, extending the time of payment of RPT and business tax is one way of cushioning the economic impact to our displaced residents in the province caused by the pandemic,” De Peralta said. (Jori Mae Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)