Hearing on 40% RPT discount cut short, Mabilog says ‘more time’ needed

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City Council’s committee hearing on the proposed extension of the 40% real property tax (RPT) discount until 2028 was cut short on Friday, Aug. 22, after several councilors exited the session hall before a motion to adjourn could be formally ruled.

The hearing was presided over by Councilor Nene De Llana, vice chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, and aimed to assess the fiscal impact of extending the RPT discount policy for another five years.

Tensions escalated when Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog was cut off during her questioning of City Budget Officer Viminiel Capulso regarding budget allocations.

Before De Llana could rule on a motion to adjourn, Councilors Romel Duron and Mandrie Malabor walked out, followed by several others, saying they were already “satisfied” with the discussion.

Duron told Mabilog, “If you want data, maybe you can directly ask… do not use this committee because this committee hearing is purposely for the [proposed extension] of reduction.”

De Llana had asked resource persons to submit the requested documents before officially deciding on the adjournment.

In an interview after the session, Mabilog said more time should have been devoted to a proposal that could significantly affect the city’s financial capacity.

“We’re lacking data. Our city budget office is saying the 40% discount would be crippling and not very beneficial to the city, so this must be properly assessed. We must know where the city budget is going,” she said.

“I think the committee hearing should have had more time because we’re talking about taxing people out. I felt agitated that my questions were dismissed and there was no time left to deliver my statement because it was adjourned abruptly,” she added.

Mabilog also shared that she had previously filed several data requests but received only one response, with the rest redirected to the City Legal Office.

Capulso, during the hearing, warned that extending the RPT discount would have serious consequences on the delivery of public services.

She said it could force cuts in social programs, operating costs, and employee development due to the city’s PHP600 million budget deficit.

The deficit reflects a gap between the PHP5.1 billion in budget proposals submitted by city departments and the PHP4.5 billion projected revenue for fiscal year 2026.

“In effect, the extended discount mitigates the capacity of the city government to be effective and will not be beneficial to the people,” Capulso said.

The hearing lasted approximately an hour and a half.

Among the councilors present were Alan Zaldivar, Frances Grace Parcon, Irene Ong, Rex Sarabia, Lyndon Acap, Miguel Treñas, and Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon.

Also in attendance were representatives from the City Treasurer’s Office, City Legal Office, City Accountant, and City Assessor.