MANILA, Philippines — The Villar group of companies denied allegations of unpaid real property taxes on some of its properties in Las Piñas City, describing them as “erroneous, misleading, and politically motivated.” The accusations were made by Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a political rival of Sen. Cynthia Villar, who alleged that the Villar group owed P213.55 million in accumulated taxes and penalties as of May 2023. Santos acknowledged a partial payment of P151 million as of November 2023 but claimed a significant balance, particularly involving the Mella Hotel, remain unsettled.
However, in a letter to The Manila Times dated Jan. 7, 2025, the Villar group, through its lawyer, said it complied consistently with tax obligations.
It said that it had paid a total of P151.8 million by Nov. 30, 2023, which included an advance payment for 2024 real property taxes. This payment was certified by the Las Piñas City Treasurer’s Office, which also issued the corresponding tax clearances.
Clarifying the Mella Hotel Issue
The Villar group addressed the claims about the Mella Hotel, stating that the City Assessor of Las Piñas had corrected the property’s tax declaration. Following this 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 the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (Republic Act 12001).
RA 12001 is a law designed to modernize the Philippines’ property valuation system. Enacted in 2024, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act aims to standardize property valuations nationwide by using market value as the basis for assessments. It seeks to improve local government revenues, ensure fairness, and enhance transparency in real property taxation through the Philippine Valuation Standards (PVS). The Act also mandates the creation of an electronic database of property transactions and separates valuation from tax administration to ensure impartiality.
“We remain prepared to fulfill our obligations as soon as the final instructions are provided,” the Villar group said, emphasizing its readiness to comply. It dismissed Santos’ accusations as baseless and part of a political agenda aimed at tarnishing their reputation.
A commitment to transparency
The Villar group underscored its long-standing commitment to transparency and legal compliance. It questioned the accuracy of Santos’ claims, pointing out that the allegations were a strategic ploy to damage their credibility and success.
“These claims are politically motivated and lack merit,” the companies stated, adding that their records and actions reflect responsible corporate governance and adherence to legal standards.
The Villar group expressed the need for clear guidelines under RA 12001 to ensure smooth compliance and prevent disputes.
“A standardized framework will benefit not just businesses but also local government units and taxpayers,” the group noted.
The Villar group said it remained resolute in defending its reputation and addressing the matter through proper legal and administrative channels.
With this response, the Villar group seeks to set the record straight, ensuring the public understands its position amid what it perceived as an orchestrated political attack.
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