Cebu Official Warns Against 'Losing End' Narrative in P1.2 Billion Tax Case
A member of the Cebu Provincial Board has raised concerns that public pronouncements suggesting the province is "on the losing end" of its P1.2 billion tax case against Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC) could undermine its legal standing. This warning comes as the provincial board scrutinizes a proposed settlement amounting to only P211.56 million, a figure significantly lower than the original assessment.
Premature Statements Could Weaken Legal Position
Ex-officio Provincial Board Member Celestino Martinez III expressed his apprehension in a Facebook statement dated March 6, 2026. He emphasized that claims implying the province has no choice but to accept the settlement, rather than pursue the full P1.2 billion obligation, are both premature and unnecessary.
"My concern is the pronouncements being made publicly alluding to the idea that the Province is on the losing end of the case which was both premature and unnecessary," Martinez stated. He argued that this narrative could weaken the province's legal position and undermine the interests the Provincial Government is duty-bound to protect.
Scrutiny of Proposed Settlement and Legal Counsel Criticism
Martinez also criticized the legal counsel representing the province, who have indicated they must act in Cebu's best interests. The compromise suggestion was pushed by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday, March 4, and has since been forwarded to the provincial board for review.
Initially included in the PB agenda on Monday, February 23, the matter was deferred during the regular session that day. Martinez noted that the proposal is currently under examination by the joint committees on laws and ways and means before it proceeds to the plenary for deliberation and voting.
Transparency and Broader Implications Demanded
Martinez called for greater transparency regarding how the proposed compromise amount of P200 million was derived from an obligation totaling P1.2 billion. He highlighted that, based on information from the provincial legal office, only one issue in the case has been resolved by the court, with many significant cases against the company still pending decision.
"A fundamental question that needs to be answered is how was the proposed compromise amount of P200 million derived from an obligation amounting to P1.2 billion?" Martinez questioned. He further warned that other major companies with similar petitions are closely observing how the province manages this settlement, as it could set a precedent for future cases involving the provincial government.
