By Jocelyn Y. Tabuada
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Sept. 28 (PNA) — In a highly favorable development, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here approved Monday an ordinance that will allow senior citizens in Puerto Princesa to avail of a substantial discount of 20 percent on real property taxes.
In the 114th regular session of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, City Ordinance No. 695 entitled “An Ordinance granting twenty percent (20%) discount to senior citizens of Puerto Princesa City on the real property tax of their residential properties” authored by City Councilor Jimbo Maristela, was officially approved.
Well within the interest of the government’s recognition of the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society, the Ordinance clearly addresses the issue, with due consideration to the financial challenges which are typically faced by senior citizens.
The premise of this Ordinance is anchored on the large number of senior citizens in the city, who are currently not earning high monthly salaries and are mainly dependent on their pension plans or immediate family for support.
City Councilor Maristela has found it befitting that the senior citizens be granted deductions on their real property tax, as this will be a great help to them.
Maristela said that, “If the senior citizens enjoy 20% discounts from restaurants, cinemas and fare, all the more that they should be given discounts on their real property taxes for their homes.”
The ordinance shall open up several opportunities for beneficiaries, particularly because it allows senior citizens to generate additional savings for maintenance in health and daily needs.
Consequently, he said, it is expected to encourage families and the communities in Puerto Princesa City to re-affirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for its senior citizens.
The discount shall apply to only one property, in the case of those who own multiple properties. The discount is also not applicable to agricultural land, commercial land and buildings for commercial purposes. (PNA)