Flashcards Studio

During the current taxable year, the City of Lazaro issues a local business tax assessment against Apex Logistics, Inc. The assessment notice lists the corporate name, principal address, classification as a commercial business, the tax rate, and the total amount due, but the notice provides no hearing or opportunity to contest the assessment prior to levy. The Municipal Treasurer later issues a warrant of distraint and levy on Apex's bank account to collect the tax. Apex files a verified complaint for prohibition and injunction in the trial court, arguing that the assessment is void for lack of due process. (a) Identify the central doctrine governing the validity of local tax assessments in the Philippines. (b) Applying that doctrine, determine whether the absence of prior hearing renders the assessment void and why. (c) State the proper remedy for Apex to challenge the assessment and stop collection, and what relief the court should grant.