By NELJOY N. GALIGAO
ILOILO – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Iloilo took a crucial step to shield property owners from looming tax burdens by approving on second reading the suspension of real property tax (RPT) increases originally set for 2026 and 2028.
During its 16th regular session on October 14, the SP voted in favor of halting the scheduled RPT hikes under Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-039, a measure seen as a timely relief for households still reeling from economic strains.
Second District Board Member June Mondejar, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, led the move to suspend the increases, saying it was a matter of fairness and compassion in light of the province’s current economic climate.
“Implementing a significant tax increase at this juncture could lead to financial strain on our constituents, especially as many are still recovering from the economic impacts of recent crises,” Mondejar said.
The proposed RPT adjustments were part of a broader reform under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), designed to align local property valuations with national market standards. Under the original schedule, higher rates would take effect in January 2026, followed by another adjustment in 2028.
However, Mondejar and his co-authors — including First District Board Member Jo Ann Germinanda and Fifth District Board Member Nielito Tupas — argued that immediate implementation could hurt low- and middle-income families already burdened by inflation and post-crisis recovery.
The Provincial Treasurer’s Office backed the suspension, assuring that Iloilo’s finances would remain stable even without the planned tax increases.
“Good governance requires us to consider the long-term implications of our fiscal policies. We must strike a balance between generating necessary revenue and ensuring that our citizens are not unduly burdened,” the Provincial Treasurer said.
Mondejar added that the upcoming implementation of the Certified Schedule Market Value by the Department of Finance in July 2026 could further change the province’s property valuation landscape—warranting a pause for recalibration before imposing new rates.
Earlier discussions during the Municipal Assessors’ Meeting on September 22, 2025, also highlighted concerns about data accuracy, record integrity, and transparency in tax assessments. Local assessors and advocacy groups urged the SP to tread carefully to avoid unfair valuation disparities.
If approved on third and final reading on October 21, the suspension will serve as a reprieve for property owners and a signal of the SP’s responsiveness to public sentiment.
The measure, Mondejar said, reflects the provincial government’s commitment to “fiscal prudence anchored on social equity.”/PN