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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Delinquent real property taxpayers in Pangasinan may soon settle their obligations in staggered payments when local treasurers and assessors release the guidelines for installment plans within the coming weeks, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino announced on Monday.
This development follows the provincial board's passage of an ordinance officially adopting the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), also known as Republic Act 12001.
The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 20, 2024, became effective on July 5, 2024. Its implementation is already underway nationwide, while local counterparts aim to provide a framework for staggered payments and ensure that all provisions are properly implemented.
One of the law's significant provisions is the condonation or amnesty for penalties and fines on unpaid real property taxes incurred before its implementation. Taxpayers will have until July 5, 2026, to settle their delinquent taxes without incurring additional penalties or fines.
According to Lambino, property owners can pay their obligations either in full or in installments. However, only full payments are currently being accepted until the guidelines for staggered payments are finalized by provincial, city, and municipal treasurers.
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"The provincial, city, and municipal treasurers will issue guidelines on how to implement staggered or deferred payments," Lambino said in an interview.
"However, it must be emphasized that deferred payments must still be completed within the two-year period provided by the law," he added.
Lambino clarified that if payments are not completed by the July 2026 deadline, penalties and surcharges will be reinstated for any remaining balances.
He also noted that properties currently involved in court cases, those under finalized payment agreements, and those already foreclosed by the government due to delinquencies are disqualified from amnesty.
Aside from the amnesty provision, RPVARA mandates all local government units, particularly their assessors' offices, to regularly update the valuation of lands.
These updates will apply to properties used for agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. Initially, valuations will be reviewed every three years, with adjustments expected as the law progresses.
Lambino also said that a significant aspect of the law is its push for digitization and computerization in assessment offices.
"This shift from paper-based transactions to computerized systems is expected to streamline processes, improve record management, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, including red tape," he said.
"This is a step towards modernizing our systems and providing relief to our people. The law does not only address efficiency but also extends help to property owners with outstanding obligations," Lambino added.
Lambino encouraged property owners in Pangasinan to take advantage of the amnesty and fulfill their tax obligations under the program.
