Taxpayers back Capitol SMV plan

CEBU, Philippines — Stakeholders have shown growing support for Cebu Province’s proposed 2027 Schedule of Market Values (SMV) following a series of public consultations aimed at explaining the impact of the revised property valuations set to take effect in 2028.

Provincial Assessor Michelle Languido said taxpayers initially reacted negatively to the proposal, particularly during the first two public consultations held in Cordova and San Fernando, where many expressed concerns that the proposed property values were “too high.”

“It’s a usual reaction from taxpayers,” Languido said, noting that the feedback prompted provincial officials to hold a third and final consultation to further clarify the proposal.

The latest hearing, held in Consolacion, drew more favorable responses from attendees, according to Languido.

She said the municipality was strategically chosen because of its highly urbanized setting and accessibility to taxpayers from both the northern and southern parts of Cebu Province.

In an interview with The Freeman, Languido described the response during the third consultation as “overwhelmingly” positive, with stakeholders expressing greater understanding of the rationale behind the updated valuation system.

She added that while concerns over higher property values remained, there was no strong opposition raised across the three consultations.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally attended the final hearing in Consolacion together with Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, Provincial Board Member Mike Villamor, who chairs the Committee on Ways and Means, Vice Chairperson Celestino Martinez, and several provincial board members and local officials.

Languido said the presence of the governor and other elected officials helped assure taxpayers, as provincial leaders explained how the proposed SMV would affect real property taxes beginning in 2028.

She said the proposed revision is anchored on Republic Act No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), which seeks to strengthen local government revenues through updated and standardized property valuations.

Under the law, increases in property assessments resulting from updated valuations will be capped at six percent.

The Provincial Assessor’s Office is likewise considering a recommendation from the Bureau of Internal Revenue to classify beach lots separately under the proposed valuation system.

The proposed SMV is currently under review by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF)-7 and remains subject to approval by the BLGF central office and the Department of Finance.

Once approved, the proposal will be returned for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to enactment an ordinance, which will then undergo another round of public consultation.

Languido said provincial officials are considering Minglanilla as the venue for the fourth public hearing, citing its strategic location within Metro Cebu and its capacity to accommodate more stakeholders and concerned taxpayers. — Jona Mariel Apurado and Jhiezel Jane Camarillo, CNU Interns/FPL (FREEMAN)