MOUNTAIN PROVINCE – To enforce revenue collections in order to generate more funds for the implementation of the priority projects of the Provincial Government the Office of the Provincial Treasurer recommended the filing of collections cases against those delinquent leaseholders of government lots and building spaces, who failed to settle their accumulated rents to the government.
This after the Provincial Treasury Office headed by Mr. Cawed A. Gamonnac exhausted all diplomatic efforts to collect the unpaid rentals, but to no avail.
Hence, the provincial government next move is resorting to Judicial Remedies for Collection of Revenues as stated in the RA 7160, otherwise known as” The Local Code of the Philippines of 1991 particularly in chapter 4, section 183.
“The collection of delinquent taxes, fees, charges or other revenues through judicial action, the local government unit concerned may enforce collection by civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction.”
According to Gamonnac, once a collection case was filed in court, the respondent shall include the payment of all expenses incurred by the office including filing fees if amicable settlement shall be made.
As of press time, the matter was indorsed to the Provincial Legal Office for further legal actions before it will be filed to the Municipal Trial Court.
Based from the records, there were 31 delinquent individuals occupying provincial lots and building spaces recommended for filing of collection cases and/or ejection cases to the Office of the Provincial Legal officer to protect the interest of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.
Most of the delinquent individuals are occupants of provincial lots at the Bilibid Reservations and at the Provincial Government Building Center who incurred arrears on rentals due on the spaces which they are actually occupying.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that some delinquent lessees have either partially or fully paid their respective obligations as they were accordingly tipped off about the impending filing of cases.
“We urge you to come to office and settle your obligations before a case against you shall be filed in court,” Gamonnac said.
By Alfred Macalling