Senate President Chiz Escudero expressed his strong support for the enactment into laws of measures meant to unite the Negros Island under one region and reform the real property valuation around the country, saying the twin legislation will foster better local governance and make tax collection more efficient.
Escudero, along with other senators and House members, witnessed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sign the landmark measures in a ceremony at Malacañang.
“These two pieces of legislation reflect our commitment to improving local governance and fostering economic growth. I commend President Marcos and my colleagues in Congress for their unwavering support and dedication to these transformative measures,” the veteran legislator said.
The NIR Act (Republic Act 12000) aims to enhance local governance efficiency and effectiveness in the Visayas by establishing the Negros Island Region. This new administrative region unites the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
“This legislation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote administrative decentralization and strengthen local autonomy.”
“This legislation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote administrative decentralization and strengthen local autonomy,” the seasoned lawmaker said. “The establishment of the NIR will not only improve public service delivery but also foster regional growth and development in the Visayas.”
Key provisions include the creation of regional offices in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, covering the sectors such as agriculture, peace and order, governance, human development, infrastructure, and industry. A Technical Working Group will develop a roadmap for the region’s development.
Meanwhile, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (Republic Act 12001) reforms property valuation and assessment in the country to enhance tax collection efficiency and improve local government service delivery.
“This reform is crucial for promoting transparency, enhancing investor confidence, and ensuring uniform valuation standards for real property assets,” the senator noted.
“The creation of a Real Property Information System will maintain an up-to-date electronic database of all real property transactions, significantly boosting the efficiency of local government services.”
“The creation of a Real Property Information System will maintain an up-to-date electronic database of all real property transactions, significantly boosting the efficiency of local government services,” he added.
The law includes provisions for automating local government services and establishing a Real Property Valuation Service under the Bureau of Local Government Finance. This initiative is expected to hasten public service delivery and improve tax collection processes.
