LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) -- The provincial government of Albay has approved the granting of tax amnesty to delinquent taxpayers of residential, agricultural and commercial real properties in the 15 municipalities of the province.

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said the tax amnesty on real properties, adopted under Provincial Ordinance no. 0058-2021, was  approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay to address the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic to real property owners.

“The sanction of the said provincial ordinance stemmed when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation no. 929 declaring the whole country under state of calamity due to COVID-19 pandemic which was adopted through Provincial Resolution no. 00357-2020,” Bichara said.

The governor added that the ordinance initially aims to unburden Albay estate owners of the increasing tax payment on their real properties due to low-income generation caused by the COVID crisis. This, he said, has affected job employments and even  closure of various types of businesses in the country.

The ordinance, authored by Albay Board Member Neil L. Montallana, is deemed effective immediately after approval until June 30, 2022.

Bichara signed the ordinance on November 4 at the office of the governor in Albay Capitol. (SAA/PIA5-Albay/Albay PIO)