Palace on Duterte’s remark vs oligarchs: It’s a warning

MANILA, Philippines -  President Duterte’s pronouncement that he would allow people to occupy the properties of oligarchs was a “warning,” Malacañang said yesterday, as it clarified that the Philippine leader would follow the proper process in running after tax evaders.  

In his first Labor Day message as President, Duterte threatened to allow people to occupy the properties owned by tax evaders. 

Businesses holding government properties that failed to pay the right amount of taxes and those that are not paying their employees just wages have three months to settle their dues, according to the Chief Executive. 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte made a “conditional statement” that reflects his seriousness in recovering government properties now being controlled by businesses.  

“So, in other words, what he’s basically stressing is the seriousness of the matter that the government property needs to be returned,” Abella said. “He will still adhere to certain processes.”  

Abella noted that the campaign against tax evaders is within the authority of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“Basically, there are really unpaid taxes and unpaid leases regarding certain properties,” he said.

Asked if Duterte’s remark was a policy, Abella replied: “It was a directive … It was a statement to those who are concerned.”

“The fact remains that he will take certain steps. I don’t mean this is the exact step. But he will take certain steps to make sure that the erring parties will respond properly,” he added. 

Last month, Duterte allowed members of urban poor group Kadamay to stay in the roughly 6,000 government housing units they forcibly occupied. He said poverty had motivated the Kadamay members to stage such action. 

The houses located in Pandi, Bulacan were intended for soldiers and policemen.  – With Alexis Romero