Senator Nancy Binay yesterday appealed to local government units to extend the deadline for payment of real property tax and business permits to avoid the influx of taxpayers amid the exponential surge of the Omicron variant.
She urged LGUs in the National Capital Region and in areas where COVID-19 case surges are reported to consider the move of the City Government of Manila to extend the deadline for payment of business permits until March 31.
“Given the current spike in COVID-19 cases, the extension of deadlines will help to reduce the movement of people,” she added. Macon Ramos-Araneta
She also urged LGUs to promote digital payment options that will enable people to pay their taxes without leaving their homes.
“LGUs should definitely look at integrating electronic modes of payment in the collection of payment of taxes and fees,” Binay said.
As for those who are required to be physically present to submit and sign documents, the senator said LGUs can temporarily accept digital or electronic copies pending verification or submission of original documents.
“This is more convenient for their constituents to avoid long queues or gathering in paying permits and submitting documents,” she added.