ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government will extend the 40 percent discount on Real Property Tax (RPT) for land until 2026, offering a much-needed tax relief for businesses and stakeholders.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas shared the good news in a press conference held via Zoom at the sideline of his birthday celebration prepared by City Hall employees on Wednesday.
According to the city mayor, the extension of the 40 percent discount on RPT payments ensures that taxpayers will continue to enjoy this benefit until 2026.
“The Iloilo City Government is committed to fostering inclusive and responsive governance that prioritizes the welfare of our constituents. In line with this, I am pleased to announce that the 40% discount on Real Property Tax (RPT) for land will be extended until 2026,” Treñas said.
This move aims to assist property owners and taxpayers as they adjust to the revised RPT rates based on updated market values.
The mayor emphasized that the initiative reflects the city’s dedication to addressing stakeholders’ concerns while promoting economic resilience.
“To formalize this extension, I am calling for an amendatory ordinance to be submitted to the City Council at the soonest possible time,” he added.
Treñas noted that the tax relief measure aligns with the city government’s broader mission of fostering a business-friendly environment and driving sustainable growth for Iloilo City.
In addition, Treñas reiterated the importance of taxes as the lifeblood of government operations, emphasizing that this initiative aims to ease the financial burden on taxpayers while maintaining the city’s fiscal health.
“While this adjustment aims to ease the financial burden on taxpayers, we appeal to everyone to pay their taxes promptly,” Treñas said.
He expressed gratitude for the community’s support and called on everyone to work together towards a shared vision for a more prosperous and progressive Iloilo City.
“Thank you, and may we all continue to support our shared vision for a better Iloilo City,” Treñas added.
Treñas, who is set to return to the City Hall on Friday after nearly three months of recovery following bile duct surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, lamented that the real property tax increase has been exploited by political opponents as propaganda during the campaign.
But Treñas emphasized that the extension of the 40 percent RPT discount until 2026 is a concrete step to address the concerns of property owners and taxpayers while countering misinformation.
He reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to responsive and inclusive governance, underscoring that the tax relief measure prioritizes the welfare of Iloilo City’s constituents.
Treñas also announced that he will meet with the City Council next week to discuss the legal procedures necessary for the extension of the 40 percent RPT discount until 2026.
This meeting aims to formalize the process and ensure that the extension is properly implemented in line with legal requirements.
The mayor reiterated that the extension is part of the city government’s ongoing efforts to support property owners and businesses while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
To recall, the Iloilo City Government voluntarily reduced the RPT on land starting this year and initially until 2025 only.
“The revenue raised from taxation is vital for our operations especially now that there are devolved functions to the local government due to Mandanas-Garcia ruling; and to finance our various programs and projects like roads, school buildings, and other important infrastructure like the Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) centers, free dialysis centers, and other pro-poor programs,” he previously explained.
COMMENDABLE MOVE
Meanwhile, the business sector in lloilo City welcomed the announcement of the city mayor regarding the RPT discount extension.
The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII) described this as a commendable move that demonstrates the Iloilo City Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of property owners and fostering an environment that is conducive to economic growth.
“We recognize that this initiative provides much-needed financial relief to property owners, particularly in light of the recent adjustments in property values. The proposed amendatory ordinance to formalize this extension is a proactive step towards ensuring that Iloilo City remains a competitive and attractive destination for business and investment,” the group said in a statement signed by its president, Engr. Terence Uygongco.
As stakeholders in the city’s development, the FCCCII reiterates its support for the city’s taxation programs.
“We urge our members and the broader business community to take advantage of this opportunity by paying their taxes promptly, as these revenues play a vital role in sustaining the city’s services and infrastructure,” the group added.
FCCCII also expressed their gratitude to Mayor Treñas and the city government for their continued efforts to build an inclusive, progressive, and business-friendly Iloilo City.
“Together, let us remain partners in realizing a prosperous future for all llonggos,” they added./PN
