The Cebu Provincial Board, during its session on Monday, April 6, 2026, has officially approved a committee report that grants Governor Pamela Baricuatro the authority to sign a compromise agreement with Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC). This decisive action comes nearly a month after the proposed settlement was first publicly announced, marking a significant step toward resolving a long-standing tax dispute.
Details of the Approved Compromise Agreement
Under the terms of the newly authorized agreement, ALQC's financial obligations to the Province of Cebu will be substantially reduced. The original amount of P1.218 billion will be lowered to an estimated P211.56 million. This compromise covers all taxes, monitoring fees, environmental enhancement fees, as well as associated surcharges, interest, and penalties under the Cebu Revenue Code of 2008, spanning from 2009 to 2025.
Committee Endorsement and Legislative Background
The report was endorsed by the committee on ways and means, which is chaired by 5th District Board Member Michael Joseph Villamor. It originated from a resolution introduced by 4th District Board Member Nelson Mondigo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Laws and Ordinances. The primary objective of this agreement is to conclusively end the protracted tax conflict between the Provincial Capitol and the quarry company, based on clearly defined terms and fiscal safeguards outlined in the resolution.
Governor's Presentation and Board Member's Concerns
Governor Baricuatro initially presented this plan to the media on March 4, 2026, while awaiting approval from the Provincial Board. However, during the session on April 6, 2nd District Board Member Stanley Caminero expressed serious concerns regarding the procedural aspects of the approval process.
Caminero questioned whether it was appropriate for the board to approve the committee report despite the absence of ALQC representatives during the committee hearing. He formalized his stance through a manifestation, emphasizing the critical need to ensure due process and the proper participation of all involved parties before granting final approval.
This development highlights the ongoing efforts to address fiscal disputes through negotiated settlements, while also underscoring the importance of transparent and inclusive governance processes in such high-stakes financial matters.
