Former Cebu Representative Issues Stern Warning Over Controversial Tax Agreement
Former Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John "PJ" Garcia has issued a strong caution to members of the Cebu Provincial Board (PB), warning them they could face legal cases if they approve a proposed P211.56 million compromise agreement with Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). The Provincial Board did not approve the agreement concerning ALQC's tax obligations during its regular session on Monday, April 6, 2026, contrary to initial reports from this publication. Instead, the proposal was returned to the executive department for further study and review.
Garcia Describes Agreement as Government Risk
Garcia characterized the compromise agreement as both risky and "grossly disadvantageous" to the provincial government. Meanwhile, the executive department conveyed a message from Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro indicating that the tax dispute between ALQC and the province is already before the courts, following the return of the proposed compromise agreement. Garcia expressed appreciation toward the Provincial Board for rejecting the proposed P1-billion tax break in favor of ALQC, based on his Facebook post on Tuesday, April 7.
Longstanding Concerns Over Corporate Favoritism
Garcia had previously questioned the fairness of the arrangement on social media as early as November 8, 2025, criticizing what he perceived as preferential treatment for a large corporation. "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?" the former congressman stated in his remarks.
Details of the Tax Reduction Proposal
Garcia specifically criticized the 80 percent reduction in ALQC's tax obligations under the compromise agreement. According to the province's assessment, ALQC has an outstanding obligation of P1.218 billion in taxes, fees, and other dues from 2009 through 2025. However, under the compromise agreement, this amount would be reduced to just P211.56 million. "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," Garcia further explained.
