KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is urging property owners to settle their real property tax obligations and verify their records as preparations continue for the auction of delinquent real properties targeted for October 2026.
Through the Office of the Provincial Treasurer (OPT), the Provincial Government is strengthening its taxpayer information efforts to help property owners understand their responsibilities while remedies remain available before delinquent accounts progress further into the enforcement process.
According to Zenaida C. Erum, Local Treasury Operations Officer IV, taxpayers whose properties are included in the auction process should not ignore the notices and are encouraged to immediately coordinate with the appropriate treasury office to determine what options may still be available to them.
“This year, we will be conducting an auction, tentatively in October. Those whose properties are included in the publication are strongly encouraged not to ignore it. They may immediately visit their Municipal Treasurer’s Office or the Provincial Treasurer’s Office so we can explain what remedies are still available to prevent their properties from proceeding to auction.” Erum said.
The auction is expected to cover delinquent real properties across the province’s 10 municipalities.
The OPT is encouraging taxpayers with delinquent accounts to verify their balances and discuss available remedies with their Municipal Treasurer’s Office or the Provincial Treasurer’s Office. Depending on the circumstances and applicable rules, taxpayers may inquire about options such as compromise arrangements or staggered payment.
“They are also reminded that they do not have to wait for a Notice of Delinquency before checking their accounts. They may proactively visit their respective treasury offices to determine whether their payments are updated or whether outstanding obligations remain,” Erum pointed out.
The reminder likewise applies to current taxpayers. The OPT is encouraging property owners who are up to date with their payments to continue paying on time and take advantage of applicable discounts for advance payment.
Under the payment scheme explained by Erum, taxpayers who make advance payment for the following year’s real property tax from January 1 to December 15 may avail themselves of a 15 percent discount. Those who make full advance payment from December 16 to March 31 may avail themselves of a 10 percent discount. Taxpayers who prefer staggered payment may settle their current obligations in four equal quarterly installments, provided payments are made within the prescribed deadlines. Installment payments do not qualify for the advance payment discount.
“If we pay in advance from January to December 15 for the following year, we can avail ourselves of a 15 percent discount. If we make advance payment for the following year from December 16 to March 31, we can avail ourselves of a 10 percent discount, provided that full payment is made. If we prefer staggered payment, we can pay in four equal quarterly installments, as long as payment is made on or before the deadline. There is no penalty, but there is also no discount.” Erum said
Beyond payment compliance, the OPT is also reminding prospective property buyers to exercise due diligence before completing a transaction. Buyers are encouraged to secure a Tax Clearance before fully paying for a property to determine whether the property has outstanding real property tax obligations.
Erum explained that failing to verify a property’s tax status before purchase can expose buyers to unexpected financial obligations. She likewise advised new property owners to process the transfer of ownership promptly so that government records accurately reflect the current owner.
“These precautions can help prevent avoidable disputes and financial burdens, particularly when unpaid taxes remain attached to a property or ownership records have not yet been updated,” she said.
Taxpayers are encouraged to coordinate with the appropriate treasury offices whenever they need clarification regarding their accounts, payment status, or property records.
The Provincial Government is likewise continuing to improve real property tax administration through the Real Property Tax Administration and Collection System (RPTAX), which supports more efficient management of tax records and transactions between the provincial and municipal treasury offices.
As the October 2026 auction target draws closer, OPT is calling on property owners to act early. Those with delinquent accounts are encouraged to verify their records and seek assistance regarding available remedies, while taxpayers who are up to date are reminded to maintain timely payments and avail themselves of applicable advance-payment discounts.
Through sustained taxpayer education and responsive treasury services, the Provincial Government continues to help South Cotabateños make informed decisions, protect their property investments, and fulfill their tax responsibilities while strengthening the local resources that support government programs and services throughout the province.
