Baronda denies collusion over real property tax proposal

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda has rejected allegations of bias and collusion with Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog regarding the legislative agenda of the City Council.

Baronda addressed the accusations shortly before the regular council session adjourned on Wednesday, Aug. 6, saying she was being accused of conspiring with Mabilog, who had proposed an 80% reduction in real property taxes (RPT).

Both Baronda and Mabilog ran under Team Sulong Gugma during the 2025 midterm elections.

The alleged conspiracy, according to some councilors, led to perceived “irregularities” in the conduct of the July 16 session.

The issue stemmed from Mabilog’s initial ordinance proposing an 80% RPT reduction, which was introduced under “other matters” and later dismissed during first reading.

Baronda explained that the proposal had first been referred to Majority Floor Leader Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia, who then included it in the agenda for discussion.

“It’s not my fault if, on the floor, [the proposal] was discussed and no one moved,” she said.

She added that if there were concerns about procedure, Sarabia or any other member could have motioned to defer the item and have it scheduled under the regular agenda for a later session.

“I don’t want you to have that bad impression […] I’m not only the vice mayor of Mabilog, I am your vice mayor and the vice mayor of Iloilo City,” Baronda said.

“I will remain impartial, transparent, and fair to your people,” she emphasized.

Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon raised concerns that introducing Mabilog’s proposal under “other matters” gave councilors insufficient time to review the measure thoroughly.

He noted that “other matters” is typically used for urgent concerns raised after the formal agenda has been set.

Baronda countered that as the presiding officer, she has the authority—under the council’s Internal Rules and Procedure—to include items under “other matters.”

She also pointed out that on July 9, the council allowed first reading of an urgent proposal to extend the 40% RPT discount from 2026 to 2028, certified urgent by Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu.

“Since the concern is somewhat the same, what was now my reason in denying Mabilog’s ordinance?” she asked.

Ganzon responded that the discount extension was placed under the regular agenda, giving members time to prepare.

Baronda argued that like the extension proposal, Mabilog’s ordinance was also “of public interest,” making it urgent.

Meanwhile, Councilor Miguel Treñas criticized Mabilog for allegedly misrepresenting herself in sessions and for calling the council “blind and deaf” during media interviews.

“This is an insult to the City Council,” Treñas said.

“She is saying that her proposal is allegedly being tripped, but to say those things in media interviews is not appropriate,” he added.