‘NOTHING HAS CHANGED’: ‘Disappointed’ Mabilog slams burdensome policies in Iloilo City after 7 years

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has criticized what he described as burdensome policies implemented by the Iloilo City government during his seven years of self-imposed exile abroad.

Among the key issues Mabilog highlighted are the significant increase in real property tax, hefty parking fees, delayed salaries of City Hall employees, and the prevalence of political tarpaulins on street posts.

After returning to the country in September, Mabilog was expected by supporters to run for mayor in the 2025 midterm elections. However, on the final day of filing candidacies, he announced he would not run, citing insufficient preparation time and political pressures.

“I am in a very good position to be a regular voter, casting my hopes on leaders who can realize the aspirations and dreams of every Ilonggo, especially the middle class and the marginalized poor,” Mabilog said.

Now a private citizen, Mabilog called for a moratorium or rollback on the 300% increase in real property tax (RPT) to provide relief to property owners.

“Such a significant increase is unacceptable because even the wealthy and middle-class are feeling the impact. I hope the city government takes notice,” he said in a press conference.

In a Facebook post, Mabilog added, “The significant hike in real property tax has left residents struggling to pay their taxes. With the last quarter approaching, many fear the financial strain will continue into next year.”

Mabilog’s proposed moratorium would temporarily suspend the 300% increase, giving property owners time to adjust. The rollback would involve revisiting and potentially lowering the increased rates if they are deemed too burdensome.

The City Council approved the updated valuation framework for lands and buildings in June 2023, marking the first increase since 2006.

The new rates, effective in 2024, include a levy rate adjustment from 1.5% to 2% on all lands based on their assessed value. The ad valorem tax on idle lands was also raised from 1% to 2% for residential properties and from 2% to 3% for agricultural, commercial, and industrial land.

In response to public outcry, the city government imposed a 40% reduction on the real property tax increase for two years (2024-2025). This allows taxpayers to pay only 60% of the real property tax on land, with the full 100% rate taking effect in 2026.

Parking Fees and Salary Delays

Mabilog also expressed disapproval of the new parking fees imposed on city and national roads. Implemented in May 2023, these fees are part of an updated ordinance passed by the City Council, revising regulations that were over a decade old.

The amended ordinance includes fees ranging from PHP15 to PHP30 for motorcycles, tricycles, light vehicles, and delivery trucks.

“I wonder if the council conducted proper consultations before passing the ordinance,” Mabilog said.

He further alleged that nearly 10,000 job hires and even permanent employees have experienced delays in receiving their salaries, forcing some to borrow money.

Some City Hall employees have recently called on the city government to release their 21-month unpaid salary increase back pay, as mandated by the 2019 Salary Standardization Law (SSL).

“Let’s put a stop to the persecution, oppression, and suppression of the rights of every Ilonggo working in City Hall and every citizen in Iloilo,” Mabilog said.

‘Nothing Has Changed’

After returning from seven years abroad, Mabilog observed that the city had not changed much compared to his tenure as mayor from 2010 to 2017.

“When I got back, I saw that nothing had changed, except for two projects on the diversion road. There is really no change,” he said.

He acknowledged the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification efforts but noted they were still under construction. Mabilog claimed that during his tenure, Iloilo City experienced rapid economic growth.

“Seven years of being away, and if there are changes, they are still under construction, with no assurance of when they will be completed,” he said.

Mabilog attributed the city’s slow economic progress to a lack of unity among elected officials.

“This is not the right formula for progress. There should be love, harmony, good working relationships, and cooperation,” he said.

Iloilo City Leadership Over the Past Seven Years

In 2010, Mabilog was in tandem with Jose “Joe” Espinosa III as vice mayor and Jerry Treñas as congressman. The trio ran together again in 2013 and 2016, winning their respective seats.

However, the political landscape shifted in 2017 when Mabilog fled the country after being named in then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s “narco list.”

Espinosa, Treñas’ brother-in-law, took over as mayor following Mabilog’s departure and subsequent dismissal orders from the Office of the Ombudsman.

The relationship between Espinosa and Treñas soured when Treñas decided to run for mayor in 2019. Treñas asked Espinosa to run as his congressman, but Espinosa declined, leading to a contested mayoral race in which Treñas secured a decisive victory.

Treñas, currently in his second term as mayor, announced he would not seek re-election due to health reasons. His daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, has filed her candidacy for mayor.