Former Cebu Representative Commends Provincial Board for Rejecting Billion-Peso Tax Break
Lawyer and former Cebu Third District representative Pablo John "PJ" Garcia publicly commended the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, for rejecting a proposed P1-billion tax break in favor of Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). Garcia praised the board's decision, emphasizing that it demonstrated responsiveness to public sentiment.
Questioning Fairness and Corporate Privilege
In a detailed Facebook post, Garcia questioned the equity of granting substantial tax relief to a large corporation while ordinary taxpayers continue to fulfill their financial obligations without similar concessions. He highlighted the disparity, asking, "Why give a billionaire corporation that could well fend for itself a privilege that we are not giving ordinary Cebuanos who dutifully pay provincial taxes, charges and fees without discount?"
Garcia further criticized the proposed discount, noting it would have allowed a company that had contested its tax liabilities in court to benefit from an 80 percent reduction. He expressed concern in Cebuano, "Ngano’ng hatagan man hinuon ang usa ka adunahan nga korporasyon… og 80 percent nga diskwento?"
Details of the Tax Dispute and Proposed Compromise
The controversy stems from the Province of Cebu's tax assessment against ALQC, which totals approximately P1.218 billion. This amount covers quarry taxes, monitoring fees, and environmental charges accrued from 2009 to 2025. A proposed compromise agreement sought to reduce this liability to around P211.56 million, representing an 80 percent discount, pending approval by the Provincial Board.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Raised
Garcia raised significant legal implications, warning that approving the deal could have exposed board members to potential liability. He stated, "I feared that, if the deal was approved, was ultimately questioned (as I am reliably informed it would be), and was declared 'grossly disadvantageous to the government,' my friends at the Provincial Board would be necessarily implicated, and used by the proponents as a legal shield, for having authorized it."
Advocating for Public Welfare Amid Economic Challenges
Amid rising fuel prices and increasing costs of basic goods, Garcia urged government efforts to prioritize public welfare. He emphasized in Cebuano, "Sa panahon sa krisis, maghisgot unta kita’g mga alibyo ug solusyon sa mga problema sa ordinaryong Sugboanon." He called on the Provincial Board to remain steadfast in protecting public funds and addressing the needs of ordinary Cebuanos.
Garcia concluded by referencing broader economic pressures, stating, "If the Provincial Board, as the governor says, should 'prepare for war,' it is the Iran war, and its debilitating effects on ordinary Cebuanos." His remarks underscore a commitment to fiscal responsibility and equitable governance in Cebu.
