THE Bacolod City Council has approved on first reading the proposed ordinance granting tax relief to local businessmen with unpaid taxes.

Authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, the proposed tax ordinance will be made through condonation of penalties, interest and surcharges and other appropriate mechanisms.

Ramos, chairperson of the City Council committee on laws, said that several businesses in the city, especially those small operators, including the tricycle and jeepney operators, failed to operate because of the restrictions implemented due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

This is because they failed to secure permits due to unsettled taxes, he said.

But due to the relaxation of the community restrictions, he said some of the business operators decided to operate, but they were charged with penalties, surcharges and interest for their arrears last year.

Ramos said he will hold a public hearing with various business sectors to get the sentiments of those who still have not renewed their business permits.

In July 2020, Ramos also authored an ordinance granting tax relief to delinquent real property taxpayers in the city through the condonation of penalties, surcharges and interest imposed and providing mechanisms for its proper implementation.