Three Cebu towns back PJ’s call on tax rollback

CEBU, Philippines — Three municipalities in Cebu’s 3rd District have passed resolutions supporting former 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia’s call to roll back real property, sand and gravel, and other provincial taxes.

The municipal councils of Balamban, Pinamungajan, and Barili approved separate measures this month, citing the financial pressures faced by households, businesses, and tourism establishments.

In Balamban, the Municipal Council approved a resolution on September 15, 2026, supporting the proposed tax relief and calling on the Cebu Provincial Government to provide assistance to taxpayers.

The measure, signed by Vice Mayor Alex Francis Binghay and all council members, specifically mentioned “homeowners, small business owners, investors, and tourism establishment operators.”

The Barili Municipal Council likewise backed the proposal through a motion sponsored by Councilor Shelomith Ewican and signed by Vice Mayor Luisito Ponsica and the council members.

“The Buhis Rollback provides across-the-board relief to the people, including those who cannot qualify for the usual government aid and subsidies yet who continue to struggle under the weight of high prices and heavy tax burdens,” the Barili Council said.

The council added that “every peso saved by families and businesses through lower taxes is a peso that can be spent on food, education, health, and other basic needs, or reinvested to sustain and grow local enterprises.”

Meanwhile, the Pinamungajan Municipal Council supported Garcia’s call during its September 7 session.

Its resolution was signed by Mayor Glenn Baricuatro, Vice Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro, and the entire municipal council.

“The reduction of these taxes will bring down the cost of doing business and thereby make Cebu more attractive to both local and foreign investors,” the Pinamungajan resolution read.

The council also cited the situation of tourism establishments in towns where visitor numbers remain low, saying the proposed rollback could help reduce operating costs.

It said the measure would “bring meaningful help to owners of tourism establishments especially in the towns of Cebu where the number of visitors remain low, and where a reduction of taxes will ease operating costs and help sustain their businesses and the jobs they provide during this difficult period.”

As reported, Garcia has been calling for reductions in real property tax, sand and gravel tax, and other provincial levies, citing the economic pressures experienced by Cebuano households and businesses.

He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Typhoon Odette and other typhoons, inflation, higher fuel and basic commodity prices amid the Middle East conflict, and rising electricity rates.

Garcia said the tax rollback would give families and small businesses additional financial breathing room amid these continuing pressures. — (FREEMAN)