Balbalan political candidates face new requirement: Tax clearance now needed before seeking local office

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Aspiring candidates for local elective positions in Balbalan will now be required to secure a municipal tax clearance as part of their administrative requirements after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Kalinga approved the ordinance establishing the requirement.

A municipal tax clearance is a document issued by the local government unit (LGU) certifying that an individual has complied with the municipality’s tax obligations and has no outstanding local tax liabilities.

The requirement is provided under Municipal Ordinance No. 320, passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Balbalan headed by Vice Mayor Regina D. Munda Cruz. The ordinance is titled, “An Ordinance Requiring All Aspiring Candidates for Local Elective Positions in the Municipality of Balbalan to Secure Municipal Tax Clearance as a Requirement for Administrative Documentation and Promoting Fiscal Responsibility.”

The measure was endorsed to the provincial board headed by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem for review and approval, as required for municipal ordinances.

SP finds ordinance legally sound

Before the measure reached the plenary, it underwent review by the SP Committee on Rules and Ethics, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher D. Donaal.

Following its review, the committee found that the ordinance was within the authority granted to the municipality under existing laws, consistent with applicable legal and procedural requirements, and in proper form.

The committee consequently recommended its approval to the provincial board.

During its regular session last week, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation, giving Municipal Ordinance No. 320 final approval at the provincial level.

The approval clears the way for the measure to proceed toward implementation in Balbalan, subject to applicable requirements under existing laws.

The ordinance is intended to promote fiscal responsibility among individuals seeking local elective positions by requiring them to first settle their local tax obligations and secure the necessary certification from the municipal government.