CEBU CITY – Governor Pamela Baricuatro officially administered the oath of office to the newly reconstituted Cebu Local Board of Assessment Appeals (CLBAA), reaffirming the province’s commitment to fairness and transparency in property tax administration. The ceremony followed Executive Order No. 40 on August 14, reestablishing the Board and defining its powers and duties.
The CLBAA is chaired by Atty. Ariel Condat, who also serves as the Register of Deeds of Cebu Province, and includes Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Ludivico Cutaran and Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora. Together, they form the province’s impartial body tasked with safeguarding taxpayers’ rights while ensuring accountability in revenue collection.
Upholding Taxpayer Rights and Fair Assessment
The Local Board of Assessment Appeals serves as a vital platform for property owners to challenge real property tax assessments they believe are inaccurate or unjust. Through the CLBAA, taxpayers gain a formal, unbiased forum where their cases can be reviewed, and fair decisions rendered.
Executive Order No. 40 states the Board ensures legal compliance and gives taxpayers a proper venue, with authority for on-site inspections to verify facts.
CLBAA decisions on appeals must be made within 120 days, ensuring fair treatment and accurate provincial tax assessments.
Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
Governor Baricuatro stressed that a fair and impartial Local Board of Assessment Appeals builds public trust and strengthens governance.
The CLBAA also complements the work of the Provincial Assessor’s Office, providing oversight and a mechanism for checks and balances. By reconstituting the Board, the province is taking a proactive step to prevent errors, inconsistencies, or perceived injustices in taxation.
Atty. Condat, the Board chairman, expressed commitment to upholding these standards. “We are here to ensure that assessments are just and equitable, and that every taxpayer has access to due process,” he said.
A Balanced Approach to Revenue and Public Service
With the CLBAA fully operational, the province now has a dedicated team to manage property assessment appeals systematically. This move aligns with broader efforts under Governor Baricuatro’s administration to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and citizen engagement in local governance.
As Cebu continues to grow economically, ensuring a fair and reliable property taxation system is more important than ever. The CLBAA provides a forum where taxpayers can voice concerns, while the province can maintain efficient revenue collection necessary for funding essential public services and infrastructure projects.
Reconstituting the Local Board of Assessment Appeals ensures legal compliance and citizen-centered governance, giving property owners confidence in fair, timely decisions.
