ANGELES CITY — Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is urging the City Council to pass an ordinance granting tax relief to all establishments who accorded free lodging services to frontliners amid COVID-19 crisis.
In a proposal made by Lazatin to Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, the tax relief will be in a form of tax credit, worth of P100,000, to all hotels, motels, dormitories, and other similar establishments who offered free temporary housing to all frontliners.
“We wholly understand the effects of COVID-19 pandemic to our business sector which is why we want to alleviate their financial struggles,” Lazatin said.
“By doing this, we are working hand-in-hand with our City Council to draft ordinances which will help stimulate our economy,” Lazatin added.
Furthermore, Cabigting explained that a grant of tax amnesty or relief is a reduction in the amount of taxes paid by individuals or businesses.
In accordance with Section 192 of Republic Act 7160, also known as The Local Government Code of 1991, the “Local Government Units may, through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives, or relief under such terms and conditions as they may deem necessary.”
The said proposal, according to Lazatin, will be sponsored by Councilor Atty. Arvin “Pogs” Suller.
It can be recalled that Lazatin on March 30, 2020 wrote a letter to Hotels and Restaurants Association of Pampanga (HARP), headed by their President Fatima Ortinada, to allow the city government to use their members’ hotels as temporary dormitory and quarantine area for frontliners assisting in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.