Malacañan Palace
June 13, 2024

“With the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas and the cooperation of every Bagong Pilipino, I am confident we will achieve inclusive growth, a resilient society, and a globally competitive economy,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he signed into law two measures underscoring the Administration’s commitment to drive the nation forward — the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act and the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform (RPVARA) Act.

In his remarks, the President reaffirmed the ceremonial signing as a step closer to attaining the vision of a more resilient and progressive Bagong Pilipinas for the benefit of all Filipinos.

For the NIR Act, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the law as long overdue as this promotes an efficient and effective delivery of essential services in the newly established Region through the unification of the Provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and the Island of Siquijor. It is envisioned to further accelerate socioeconomic development for millions of Negrenses and provide strategic convergence regarding resources, investments and economic planning.

“Indeed, in unity, there is strength. And that is what we are building. I trust that the people of the newly established Negros Island Region will work together to complement each other’s strengths to build a more united and flourishing Negrense community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the signing of the RPVARA Act complements the Administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda driven by transparency, digitalization and the practice of innovative work processes in the civil service. With the enactment of the said law, it now streamlines and enhances the system through a uniform real property appraisal that is compliant with global standards. Furthermore, it now serves as a strategy that instills long-term and consistent tax compliance by providing a two-year amnesty on interests and penalties for taxpayers with unpaid real property tax.

“So this new law is borne out of necessity and the realization that there is a need to enhance the country’s tax collection system to generate revenues, jobs, and investments all over the country,” the President added.

The Chief Executive expressed his utmost gratitude towards the House of Representatives and the Senate for the passage of these two (2) important laws, urging both Houses of Congress to pass 17 priority bills that are inclusive, responsive and people-centered before the year ends.

“These show that you are not only supportive of this Administration’s endeavors but are also two forward-looking and proactive institutions… Let us continue to collaborate and work closely on this matter,” President Marcos Jr. stated.

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