Angeles mayor to hike property taxes amid protests

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is set to sign an ordinance increasing real property taxes in this city by as much as 200 percent amid growing protests from residents.

“This decision which is fully backed by the city council is a make or break move, but I have to use political will for the sake of both the rich and the poor,” he said in a press conference here on Wednesday.

Various sectors have raised opposition to the planned tax increase, which the city council has approved on third reading, and had vowed to hold protest rallies in the coming days.

“I have to do what I was mandated to do for the city, where 80 percent are poor,” Pamintuan said.

He said real property taxes would be increased by 120 to 200 percent for residences, 125 percent for commercial establishments, 35 percent for industrial firms and 50 percent for agricultural lands. Lands occupied by illegal settlers would be given a 60 percent discount.

“These rates are even much lower than the valuation of the MCCI (Metro Clark Chamber of Commerce and Industry),” he noted.

He justified the increase, saying the last tax hike was implemented in 1995 even though the Local Government Code authorizes local government units to review real property tax rates every three years.

Pamintuan said proceeds from the tax hike would enable him to implement vital projects in this city. “Some complain (about) peace and order and yet refuse to raise taxes that can buy us more patrol cars and motorcycles for our policemen and for the hiring of more traffic aides,” he said.

He also cited the need for more funds for students at the city-owned Angeles City College, projects for senior citizens, increased Philippine Health Insurance Corp. subsidies for the poor and housing for indigents.

Pamintuan also noted the need to upgrade infrastructure, such as widening roads and constructing more canals and a plaza for the city.