MANILA - The Senate passed on third and final reading with 23 votes, 0 negative vote and 0 abstention, the proposed Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA).

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the enactment of the measure will provide a respite for taxpayers of real property tax as the measure sets a two-year amnesty on interests and penalties for taxpayers with unpaid real property tax.

It would also “hasten the automation of services provided by local government units, which in turn would enhance the efficiency of tax collection and improve the delivery of services.”

This includes the creation of Real Property Information System expected to “maintain an up-to-date electronic database of the sale, exchange, lease, mortgage, donation, transfer, and all other real property transactions and declaration in the country.”

“This bill aims to provide relief to our delinquent property owners who may have fallen behind on their property tax payments by granting them amnesty. Sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, kung mayroong hindi nakabayad ng amelyar, ang mga multa at interes ay hindi na kokolektahin sa loob ng dalawang taon ng pagsasabatas ng panukalang ito,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate also adopted Proposed Senate Resolution No. 946 recognizing the enduring amity and cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and commemorating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and Proposed Senate Resolution No. 807, recognizing and commending Dr. Carmencita Padilla for receiving the Order of the National Scientist Award.