• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) issued a board resolution expressing strong opposition to the proposed increase in real property tax in Negros Occidental.
In their resolution, UNIFED urged concerned authorities to “reconsider and defer any such increase until economic conditions stabilize and the financial capacity of constituents improves.”
The resolution was issued after the provincial government of Negros Occidental issued an advisory reminding the public of the Proposed Schedule of Market Values for all real properties in compliance with Republic Act No. 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act scheduled to be implemented this 2026.
In a statement, UNIFED said “imposing an increase in real property tax under present conditions is untimely and may adversely affect economic recovery and the overall welfare of the people.”
While they do recognize the vital role of taxation in supporting government programs, infrastructure and public services, UNIFED said any increase at this time will impose additional financial burden on property owners, including homeowners, farmers and business operators.
“Many constituents have yet to recover from economic challenges and [are] struggling to meet their daily needs,” the resolution states that more so with the current global situation, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East, that has contributed to economic uncertainties affecting both local and national economies.
The rising fuel prices have led to increased transportation and production costs that have significantly affected prices and goods and services and the noticeable increase in the cost of basic commodities has put a strain on households, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and low-income sectors.
Thus, any increase at the moment is going to be counterproductive and will do more harm to an already suffering nation, stated the resolution, which was signed by UNIFED Chairman, Manuel Lamata and the Board of Directors composed of Exequiel Maranon, Adnan Buenafe, Claude Schulze, Zosimo Dianongco Jr., Ricardo Yulo, Joseph Edgar Sarrosa, Bonifacio Pena, Jose Nadie Arceo, Miguel Yusay, Edgardo Acuna, and Anthony Ramos.*
