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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Bizman prays for Iloilo City political unity

Bizman prays for Iloilo City political unity

Warns of turmoil's negative impact

Published Nov 20, 2025 02:43 pm
ILOILO CITY – The chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo is praying for political unity as he warned of the negative impact of political turmoil on the business sector.
“I am praying that the political climate will unite in Iloilo City so that they can collaborate with the business sector,” said PCCI-Iloilo Chairman Felix Tiu.
“Look at the squabbles right now in the national government. There are many problems with graft and corruption and there are lots of investors who are planning (not) to continue with their investments,” Tiu said as PCCI-Iloilo prepares for its 120th anniversary.
Tiu warned that what is happening nationally can happen locally.
The political squabbles began last year when former Mayor Jerry Treñas cut ties with Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda as he tried to replace Baronda as congresswoman with daughter now incumbent Mayor Raisa.
Tiu recalled that Iloilo City was a beneficiary of major investments in the 2010s when there was an alliance with three major Ilonggo leaders – Treñas as congressman, Jed Patrick Mabilog as mayor, and Franklin Drilon as Senate President.
“During that time, the political climate and the business climate was very progressive,” Tiu said.
He noted that major investments such as the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park of Megaworld Corp. kicked off with the alliance of the three Ilonggo leaders.
Tiu said that PCCI-Iloilo is non-partisan.
Other business executives have expressed alarm not only on the political rivalry but also on the policies of the past and present Treñas administrations.
A petition has been filed by a property developer before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the Iloilo City government over the astronomical 300 percent real property tax rate increase (RPT).
The business and private sector mounted strong opposition and the city government is implementing a 60 percent rate until 2028.

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Iloilo PCCI-Iloilo Iloilo City Felix Tiu
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