(UPDATE) THE Villar group of companies said the accusation that it has unpaid real property taxes was politically motivated.
The firm issued the statement in response to the allegation of Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a political rival of Sen. Cynthia Villar, that the Villar group owed P213.55 million in accumulated taxes and penalties as of May 2023.
Santos said the firm made a partial payment of P151 million as of November 2023 but alleged a significant balance, particularly involving the Mella Hotel, remained unsettled.
In a letter to The Manila Times dated Jan. 7, 2025, the Villar group categorically denied Santos’ claim, noting the company was consistently compliant with tax laws.
The company’s legal counsel said the Villar group paid a total of P151.8 million by Nov. 30, 2023, noting the amount included an advance payment for 2024 real property taxes.
The payment was certified by the Las Piñas City Treasurer’s Office, which also issued the corresponding tax clearances, the legal counsel added.
On the Mella Hotel Issue, the Villar group said the City Assessor of Las Piñas had corrected the property’s tax declaration.
Following the adjustment, the company submitted payment based on the revised assessment.
However, the City Treasurer’s Office declined to accept the payment, citing the absence of implementation guidelines for Republic Act 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, which was enacted into law in 2024, it added.
The Villar group said clear guidelines under RA 12001 would ensure compliance for taxpayers.
“A standardized framework will benefit not just businesses but also local government units and taxpayers. We remain prepared to fulfill our obligations as soon as the final instructions are provided,” it added.
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