Iza Aldana
Mar 11, 2026
Lawmakers urge stronger public campaign to help more Filipino families settle inheritance taxes and transfer properties legally
Senators Pia Cayetano and Alan Peter Cayetano have urged government agencies to intensify the promotion of the Estate Tax Amnesty program, saying broader awareness could help thousands of Filipino families finally settle inheritance-related tax issues.
During the Senate Committee on Ways and Means hearing on March 10, Sen. Pia Cayetano emphasized that unresolved estate taxes remain a common problem in many communities, often preventing families from legally transferring ownership of inherited properties.
The senator said the issue frequently surfaces in their public service program, “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda,” where families seek assistance because houses or land inherited from deceased relatives remain registered under the names of the departed.
“When estate taxes are not settled, the property remains under the name of the deceased. This often causes family disputes and prevents heirs from properly using or selling the property,” Cayetano explained.
She stressed the need for a more aggressive information campaign to inform the public about the benefits of the estate tax amnesty, particularly for families who have long postponed settling their inheritance taxes due to high costs and complicated procedures.
For his part, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the program and pay the proper taxes, noting that it also strengthens government revenues that support public services.
“If estate taxes are settled, not only will families benefit from properly transferred properties, but the government will also gain additional resources for social programs,” the senator said.
Government data show that from 2019 to June 2025, the estate tax amnesty program has generated approximately P15.7 billion from about 322,000 taxpayers who availed themselves of the measure.
Under the program, heirs are allowed to settle estate taxes without interest, surcharges, or penalties, applying the current 6 percent estate tax rate, which is significantly lower than the previous system.
For the Cayetano siblings, extending and strengthening the promotion of the amnesty is not merely a tax measure but a practical solution that could help thousands of Filipino families legally settle inheritance matters and avoid disputes over family property within communities