By ILOILO CITY – In a forum consultation, Ilonggos from different sectors and groups gathered for a Konsultahang Bayan (People’s Consultation) to discuss the impact of local government economic policies at Hofbauer Hall, St. Clement’s Church, Iloilo City, on Saturday, September 6.
Led by the Western Visayas Youth and Students Alliance (WVYSA), the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) – Panay, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) – Panay, and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) – Panay, the forum—entitled Mahal ang Magmahal sa City of Love: Konsultahang Bayan on the Impacts of Local Policies on the Daily Lives of Ilonggos—focused on gathering data on the effects of the Enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan (ELPTRP) and the Real Property Tax (RPT) increase. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including students from various universities and organizations in Iloilo, small business owners, young professionals, drivers and operators, parents, women, members of the academe, and barangay officials.
Local journalist Rjay Zuriaga Castor presented an explainer on RPT, amid growing controversy over the proposed 300% increase due to its possible effects on businesses and consumers.
Castor pointed out that the basic RPT for land ranges from 1.5% to 2%, while residential idle lands are taxed at 1% to 2%, and agricultural, commercial, and industrial idle lands are taxed at 2% to 3%.
He also added that although it has been consistently denied—despite factual and actual data—RPT indeed affects inflation and the rising costs of basic services and amenities.
Elmer Forro, Secretary General of BAYAN Panay and lead convenor of the No To PUV Phaseout Coalition (NTPPC) – Panay, discussed the ongoing effects of the ELPTRP on drivers, operators, and commuters not just in Iloilo City, but across the entire province.
According to Forro, the ELPTRP is a scheme aimed at phasing out traditional jeepneys in favor of imported minibuses operated under cooperatives, leading to the privatization of the public transport system.
“We are calling on the city government to review the program [ELPTRP] with the view of suspending it,” Forro said.
The consultation concluded with a planning session, during which the groups resolved to submit their gathered data and recommendations to the Iloilo City Council, seeking a formal dialogue with city officials to express the concerns of the Ilonggos./PT
