NOCCI Secures Approval for Simplified Estate Tax Amnesty Proposal

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), officers led by President Edward Du, along with officers and members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), participated in the 2025 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Tax Campaign Kick-Off and Motorcade. This collaborative event highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance tax compliance and awareness across the region.

A major accomplishment during the event was the approval of NOCCI’s Simplified Estate Tax Amnesty Availment proposal, which introduces a simpler compliance program under the Estate Tax Amnesty Law (RA 11956). This initiative, known as the “Pay Now, Submit Later” program, was made possible through the support of BIR Regional Director Mary Jane Asuncion and BIR RDO-79 Atty. Sonny Advincula.

NOCCI’s proposal is aligned with the Ease of Doing Business Law of 2018 (RA 11032) and aims to ease the burden on taxpayers by simplifying estate tax amnesty availment processes. The approval is a significant step toward improving estate tax collection, reduce red tape, and encouraging responsible estate tax payment in Negros Oriental. The event underscores the commitment of local stakeholders to support the government’s vision for smoother, more efficient tax collection.

NOCCI’s Estate Tax Amnesty Proposal Gains Ground at BIR Tax Campaign Kick-Off

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, took center stage during the 2025 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Tax Campaign Kick-Off and Motorcade held in Negros Oriental. The event, which included officers and members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), emphasized the region’s collective commitment to improving tax awareness, compliance, and public-private sector collaboration.

A key highlight of the event was the formal approval of NOCCI’s Simplified Estate Tax Amnesty Availment proposal—a groundbreaking initiative designed to make estate tax settlement more accessible for ordinary citizens. Dubbed the “Pay Now, Submit Later” scheme, the program introduces a more streamlined process under the Estate Tax Amnesty Law (Republic Act 11956), which was enacted to provide relief to delinquent taxpayers and unburden heirs of unresolved estate obligations.

This landmark approval was made possible through the support of BIR Regional Director Mary Jane Asuncion and BIR Revenue District Office 79 Chief, Atty. Sonny Advincula. Both officials lauded NOCCI’s proactive role in identifying procedural challenges and offering constructive solutions that align with the objectives of tax reform.

President Du expressed gratitude to the BIR for endorsing the proposal, noting its alignment with the Ease of Doing Business Law (RA 11032). “This is a strong example of how regulatory reform, when pursued in partnership with the private sector, can reduce bottlenecks and promote taxpayer confidence,” Du remarked during the event. “We believe this amnesty initiative will not only boost tax collection, but also deliver long-overdue relief to countless Filipino families.”

The new system allows taxpayers to make initial payments under the amnesty program while deferring the submission of documentary requirements, thereby alleviating the procedural burden often associated with estate settlement. The flexibility is expected to significantly increase participation rates among eligible individuals in Negros Oriental.

During the motorcade and official ceremonies, NOCCI and PICPA emphasized the importance of taxpayer education and ongoing dialogue between the private sector and revenue authorities. The collaborative atmosphere reinforced a shared commitment to fiscal transparency and long-term improvements in tax policy.

Officers from NOCCI also highlighted how the amnesty initiative is expected to positively impact the province’s business climate. “By clearing estate tax backlogs, we unlock dormant assets and enable capital mobility—factors that drive economic growth,” said NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni.

The BIR, in turn, welcomed the proposal as a viable model for replication in other regions. “This campaign is not just about increasing revenue,” noted RDO-79’s Atty. Advincula. “It’s about empowering citizens with the tools to comply with the law without undue hardship. The NOCCI-proposed amnesty process reflects the kind of innovation we need across the board.”

NOCCI’s influence in the success of the proposal is seen as an evolution of its role as a business advocate. Its efforts have increasingly focused on regulatory improvement and stakeholder engagement, going beyond traditional commerce concerns to tackle systemic issues in governance and public finance.

The Simplified Estate Tax Amnesty Availment program is also expected to boost the local real estate and financial services sectors. Legal experts and estate planners present at the event praised the move, anticipating a surge in resolved estate claims and real property transactions in the months ahead.

Beyond the legal and financial implications, the new amnesty framework has been recognized as a win for social equity. “Estate taxes are often a painful legacy issue for many Filipino families,” said PICPA representative Rhodora Villanueva. “This reform gives them a clearer, faster path to resolution—and dignity in honoring their family’s legacy.”

As part of its next steps, NOCCI is working with BIR to roll out a localized information campaign on the updated amnesty guidelines. This will include seminars, digital materials, and support desks in key local government units. The objective is to ensure widespread awareness and correct implementation at the grassroots level.

In championing this reform, NOCCI reinforces its broader mission to simplify processes, empower entrepreneurs, and support good governance. The success of the amnesty proposal demonstrates how strategic partnerships between government agencies and private institutions can yield real, lasting impact.

With the program now set in motion, stakeholders across Negros Oriental anticipate a wave of compliance, investment, and estate regularization. And as NOCCI continues to advocate for business-friendly policies and inclusive reform, the simplified estate tax amnesty is a clear step forward in building a more efficient, equitable economic future.