Cebu officials back Marcos' tax relief push amid high cost of living

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CEBU’S top provincial officials welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s proposed tax relief measures, saying lower taxes and cheaper electricity could ease the burden on households still grappling with elevated food, fuel and utility costs.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said Marcos’ push to reduce taxes, particularly for workers and electricity consumers, aligns with the province's priority of helping families cope with the rising cost of living.

"Any measure that lowers the cost of living, especially electricity and basic goods, is a big help to Cebuanos," Baricuatro said.

Lowering power costs and reducing workers' tax burden would provide immediate relief, particularly for low- and middle-income families, she added.

Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco likewise welcomed Marcos' economic agenda, saying the proposed tax relief, exemptions from the minimum corporate income tax and the planned removal of systems loss charges could help reduce financial pressure on both consumers and businesses.

"Measures such as tax relief, exemptions from the minimum corporate income tax, and the proposal to eliminate systems loss charges are significant steps toward easing the financial burden borne by Filipinos," he said.

The officials issued their statements after Marcos delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address, where he pledged to pursue tax reforms, expand social services and accelerate infrastructure projects to support economic growth.

Beyond tax relief, Baricuatro welcomed the President mentioning the need to improve healthcare, agriculture and disaster preparedness to strengthen the province's long-term resilience.

She agreed that expanding PhilHealth benefits would help families cope with rising medical expenses, while stronger support for local farmers would improve food security, lessen dependence on imported products and help stabilize prices.

For his part, Soco said infrastructure investments and better public services should go hand in hand with tax reforms to sustain economic growth, particularly in fast-growing areas such as Cebu.

He also reiterated the need for stronger anti-corruption efforts, saying the efficient use of public funds is essential to ensure government programs deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos.

In the meantime, both Baricuatro and Soco expressed hope that the national government would work closely with local governments to ensure the timely implementation of the President's economic agenda.(RBE)