The Quezon City Council approved three ordinances that will provide tax relief to city-based businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government announced on Wednesday, Dec. 29.

The three measures were introduced by Councilor Franz Pumaren, Councilor Jun Ferrer, Councilor Eric Medina and Councilor Donny Matias.

The first measure, City Ordinance SP-3067 S-2021, will extend the deadline for payment of business taxes, fees and charges without surcharges or interest from Jan. 20, 2022 (first quarter) and March 20, 2022 (second quarter) to July 20, 2022.

It aims to help business owners who were affected by the lockdowns implemented during the community quarantine period in the city.

"As the economy gradually opens, some businesses that are heavily affected by the pandemic are still struggling on their way to recovery and we, in the city government, want to help them in as many ways as we can, and passing this tax relief ordinance is just one of them," Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

City Ordinance SP-3068 S-2021 waives penalties, interests, and surcharges for unpaid business taxes, covering all businesses that have failed to pay for 2021 and years prior.

The local government said that the second ordinance will let the taxpayers update their business tax and liabilities without incurring penalties, surcharges, and interests.

Meanwhile, staggered settlement of outstanding business taxes (maximum of 12 months installment covering years 2021 and prior) will be allowed under City Ordinance SP-3069 S-2021.

The third measure will also give the city treasurer a task to determine the manner of payment of the outstanding tax balances, according to the local government.

Belmonte is expected to sign the three ordinances before the end of the year, the city government said.