THE Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed an ordinance granting exemptions from payment of real property taxes to properties of the Dagupan Filipino-Chinese Community Association-Panda Volunteer Brigade exclusively used for firefighting activities.

The ordinance filed by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, chair of the committee on laws, ordinances and judiciary, acknowledged that Panda has been a vital cog of Dagupan in fighting fires and saving lives and properties and in doing community services to its people for the past 35 years.

At present, the parcel of lot where the Panda building is located on A.B. Fernandez Avenue East is owned by the heirs of Bernabe Dy Sr., one of the founding fathers of the Panda Volunteer Firefighting Brigade.

The lot is being used for parking of fire trucks owned by Panda and as training ground of volunteers.

Tamayo said since Panda is recognized as a group of selfless volunteers serving the city of Dagupan and the rest of the province for the last 35 years in battling fires and saving lives and properties as well as engaging in various community services, it deserves exemption from payment of real property taxes.

During the committee hearing on the measure, City Assessor Roland Suni revealed that Panda’s building was already exempted from paying taxes since 2006.

City Legal Officer Victoria Cabrera, however, opined that all properties used by Panda, in order to be exempted from payment of real property tax, should be solely transferred to Panda itself.

A lawyer, Tamayo said that under the Local Government Code, the local legislative body through ordinances has the authority to grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under  such conditions as may be necessary. (Leonardo Micua)

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