Sweeping tax, fee hikes set

CEBU, Philippines — Residents, business owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to scrutinize a proposed overhaul of Cebu City's tax and fee structure, which could bring higher charges for businesses, garbage collection, parking, tricycle registration, health permits and even burial permits.

The proposed 2026 Local Revenue Code will be subjected to public hearings starting today, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 before the City Council takes further action on the measure.

The proposed code seeks to update rates under the city's existing revenue ordinance, which the committee on budget and finance said no longer reflects current economic conditions and the rising cost of delivering public services.

Councilor Mikel Rama, chairman of the City Council Committee on Laws, urged residents and business operators to examine the proposed changes closely and take part in the consultations.

“Importante man kaayo nga duna tay pondo ang atong syudad para ma-hatag ta og tarong ug nga serbisyo alang sa publiko. Apan responsibilidad usab nato ang pagsusi kung kining mga bayranan makatarunganon ba ug patas ba,” Rama said.

Among the proposed adjustments he highlighted were substantial increases in annual garbage collection fees.

Under the draft code, garbage fees for carenderias would increase from P365 to P3,000, with rates reaching as high as P10,000 depending on the establishment. Market stall holders would also face higher charges, from the current P365 to P1,500, with proposed rates reaching P7,500.

For boarding houses and bed-space establishments, the proposed fee would jump from P25 per room to P500 per bed. Marriage license fees would increase from P20 to P250, while burial permit fees would rise from P10 to P200.

The proposed revisions, however, cover a much broader range of taxes, permits and regulatory charges affecting businesses, professionals, motorists, transport operators and property developers.

According to Committee on Laws' report, professional and occupational taxes would be set at P300 and P150, respectively, while peddlers' fees would range from P30 to P2,000 depending on the nature of their activities.

Ambulant and short-term vendors would be charged between P100 and P300 daily, while special permits could cost P500 to P10,000 per day, depending on the event.

The draft also provides for updated charges on billboards, advertising signs and promotional materials. Billboard and outdoor advertising fees would be pegged at P200 to P250 per square meter, while streamers and balloons would carry a daily charge of P500.

Food and drug establishments would pay between P500 and P5,000, depending on capitalization.

Secretary's fees would range from P100 to P500, while civil registry charges would be set at P100 to P300, depending on the service requested.

Health-related fees would also be adjusted. Health and medical certificates would cost P300 for food service workers and P100 for non-food service workers. Annual health examination and sanitation fees would be set at P150, while sanitation charges for establishments would range from P500 to P5,000.

Motorists and transport operators would likewise be covered by the proposed changes.

Tricycle registration fees would be set at P1,500 for motorcycles and P1,000 for tricycles and e-bikes. Tricycle franchise fees would be fixed at P1,500, while parking charges would reach P30 per hour or a fraction thereof.

Towing fees would range from P3,000 to P5,000, depending on vehicle classification, with separate charges for vehicle storage.

Transport terminals would pay permit fees of P2,000 per establishment, while fees for public utility vehicle terminals could reach P2,000, depending on vehicle type.

The proposed code also covers cockpits and cockfighting activities, setting an annual cockpit permit fee of P5,000 and derby-related charges ranging from P100 to P400 daily, with higher rates for larger events.

Animal health services would also carry revised charges, including registration fees of P150 to P250, inspection fees of P100 to P500 and veterinary clinic permit fees of P10,000.

Property owners, contractors and developers would face additional charges for excavation and related activities. Excavation permits would carry a processing fee of P100, while excavation and restoration charges, including deposits, would range from hundreds to thousands of pesos depending on the scope of work.

The proposed revisions also cover recreational facilities, special events, hazardous materials storage and agricultural activities, each with corresponding fee schedules.

The committee said the proposed adjustments aim to modernize the city's revenue system, improve collection efficiency and keep local rates within the limits prescribed by the Local Government Code while generating sufficient funds to sustain public services.

Rama emphasized, however, that none of the proposed rates has been finalized and that the amounts remain open to public scrutiny.

'Mga proposals pa lang kini,' he said.

He said the public hearings would allow the City Treasurer's Office to explain the basis for the proposed increases while giving affected sectors an opportunity to air their concerns and recommend changes.

“Ang public hearings mohatag og higayon sa atong City Treasurer para mapatin-aw ang ilang mga basihan sa ilang increase ug sa publiko para makapahayag sa impact kanila ug maka-rekomenda og mga adjustments,” Rama said.

He urged residents and business operators who stand to be affected by the proposed measures to attend the hearings or submit position papers to the City Council.

“Ang partisipasyon sa publiko dako kaayo og matabang alang sa pag-improve sa final version sa atong updated Local Revenue Code,” Rama said. — (FREEMAN)