Press Release
October 4, 2009

CHIZ APPEALS FOR REAL ESTATE, VEHICLE REGISTRATION, INCOME TAX BREAKS FOR ONDOY VICTIMS

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday called for real estate, and income tax breaks for victims of the deluge caused by tropical storm Ondoy.

"I appeal to local government units in the areas most affected by the flooding to consider real estate exemptions for homeowners severely affected by Ondoy's floods," he said.

The 39-year old lawmaker said local government units only need to ask barangays to certify the damage wrought on homes in their areas before granting the exemption.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), close to fifty thousand families (about 253,000 people) were displaced by the flood waters that swamped homes in Metro Manila, mostly in Quezon City and Marikina.

In the provinces, Laguna and Rizal had the most number of evacuees, the DSWD said.

Escudero also urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to allow taxpayers to deduct the losses incurred due to the damage cause by Ondoy on their homes and motor vehicles when they file their income tax returns next year.

He also called on the Land Transportation Office to exempt motor vehicle owners from paying renewal fees if their vehicles were damaged by the floods.

"We know how far calamity loans can go for the families who suffered most from Ondoy's onslaught. Let us think of other ways to help them overcome their present difficulties," Escudero said.

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