By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – A former Isabela town councilor emphasized that timely tax payments support the provincial government’s delivery of basic services to the people of Negros Occidental.
Former Isabela Councilor Patrick Miguel Montilla, one of the top 10 real property taxpayers in the province, said Tuesday that this commitment motivates him to pay his taxes.
Montilla is among the top 10 real property taxpayers in the Individual Category, recognized by the provincial government along with 10 corporations during the 126th Cinco de Noviembre celebration held at the Capitol Lagoon and Park on Tuesday.
“As we know, a big chunk of the province’s budget comes from taxes that we pay, both from corporations and individuals. So, I guess that is what really motivates every person to pay their taxes on time,” Montilla said.
He added, “By paying it on time, we help our provincial government fulfill its obligation to the people of Negros. They can then provide our fellow Negrenses with their basic needs.”
Montilla, the judicial administrator of his family’s landholdings in Isabela town, reiterated that “if we pay our taxes on time, in one way or another, we help people get what they need, especially the less fortunate.”
He also highlighted that “another motivating factor is the penalties for late payments. By paying on time, we avoid these and gain peace of mind.”
He thanked the provincial government for recognizing him along with the other awardees.
The other Individual Category awardees include Herminio Maravilla, Vicky Lim, Francisco Manalo, Elena Corral, Gerald Baldevia, Atty. Gary Acuña, and Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo.
The top 10 corporate taxpayers are BISCOM (Binalbagan Sugar Company), Victorias Milling Company, Tanduay Distillers Inc., Manapla Sun Power Development, Asian Alcohol, New Foundland Agri Co. Inc., Philippine Spring Water Resources, NONECO (Northern Negros Electric Cooperative), Philippine National Bank, and Hesperus Agri and Development Co. Et Al.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the celebration, told reporters that “we all know that taxes are the lifeblood of the local government unit (LGU). You must remember we were recognized for having the biggest collection in a year, and these awardees are the major contributors.”
He assured the taxpayers, “I assure them that we will use the money judiciously, and I also took note of where these taxpayers are located. I will ensure that there are programs and projects implemented in these areas.”
Lacson further stated, “I just want them to know that for every peso you pay in taxes, your community benefits from it.”
Meanwhile, Montilla is running as an independent candidate for a board member seat in the 5th district in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
