President Duterte created a new interagency task force to spearhead reforms in real property tax collection and management of local government units (LGU).
Duterte issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 40 forming the Interagency Governing Board (IGB), which will be tasked to oversee Local Government Reform Projects (LGRP).
“To ensure the successful implementation of the LGRP, and as part of the implementing arrangements, there is a need to convene an interagency body that will set the policy direction of the Project and ensure proper complementation, cooperation, and coordination of executing and implementing agencies and relevant stakeholders,” Duterte said in the three-page issuance.
LGRPs aim to boost the revenue of LGUs through efficient real property tax policies by eliminating outdated rates and overlapping valuations.
The IGB will be chaired by the Department of Finance (DOF), and will have representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda); Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); and the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).
The IGB should also have one representative each from the League of Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities; one representative from a nongovernment organization, which may be a women’s organization; and one representative from the private sector.
“The IGB shall convene at least twice a year, or as may be necessary upon the call of the Chair,” Duterte said.
Among the functions of the IGB is to provide policy direction for LGRP relative to property valuation and assessment reform activities; review overall project strategy and direction of LGRPs; and call on other government agencies and other stakeholders to support LGRPs.
AO 40 took effect on April 27, 2021 and will last until July 31, 2021, unless extended by the President.
Prior to its dissolution, the IGB must publish an accomplishment report detailing its projects, funds it utilized; and evaluation of projects.
A copy of the report must be submitted to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Source: BusinessMirror