MILITANT groups protest the 300 percent real property tax hike in Iloilo City on Tuesday, Sept. 2. (Bayan Panay)
ILOILO CITY — Militant groups have opposed the 300-percent real property tax (RPT) increase in this city.
They called the move “unjust” and “anti-poor” during a rally on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Plazoleta Gay, at the heart of the old business district here.
They claimed that 519 local businesses have closed as of last July due to the move.
“These enterprises are crucial to residents, who rely on them for affordable goods and meals as opposed to the higher prices in malls and fast-food chains,” said Bayan Panay.
“Taxation would not be a problem if higher taxes were imposed on big businesses while small enterprises were granted exemptions,” added Bayan Panay.
The Iloilo City government approved the new tax ordinance that raised the RPT to 300 percent in 2023.
Due to clamor from local businesses that there was no proper consultation, the Iloilo City government implemented a 60 percent rate for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
A local leasing company filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the implementation of the RPT increase.