Policy Notes:
MBC meets Mayor Ruffy Biazon,
Muntinlupa signs onto MBC project

MBC met with Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon to talk about members’ EODB issues with the city government.  Fluor Daniel and Amkor – both top Muntinlupa taxpayers – raised concerns about a city ordinance that mandates companies to hire 70% of their workforce from Muntinlupa residents. 

Other MBC members followed up letters or EODB concerns: JGC Philippines talked about issues regarding their PEZA incentives being reduced. Ayala Land brought up the new Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (for BBM’s signature) that will update market values and adjust assessment levels resulting in higher real property taxes for Ayala Land and other property owners. Amkor, one of Muntinlupa’s top taxpayers, talked about safety issues re: informal settlers. MATEC talked about a change in their barangay designation, which affects their customs paperwork. All issues were resolved on the spot, except for the real property valuation which is on Pres. Marcos’ desk.  

MBC met with Mayor Biazon again on June 24 to talk about our Digital Democracy project, an initiative to upgrade local government employees’ digital skills and support citizen-government consultations. Mayor Biazon agreed to be part of the project. MBC will be holding a Digital Democracy Awards in November to reward the best-performing LGU.    

MBC is looking into the PEZA incentives concerns, and the Real Property Valuation Act’s implications for our members. Should these issues or the Digital Democracy Awards be interesting for you, please reach out to our Director for Policy and Projects, Catch Ofilada, at  catch.ofilada@mbc.com.ph 

MBC Participants:
William Garcia, Amkor Technology
Roberto Juanchito Dispo, Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company
Teresa Aquino, Zalora PH
German Camigla, Fluor Daniel
Edgar Alforja, JGC Philippines
Guenter Matschuck, Maschinen & Technik, (MATEC)
Kristian Melquiades, Insular Life
Arnold Benitez and Jocelyn Peña, Dow Chemical Philippines
Edgar O. Chua, Cavitex Holding Corp., MBC Chairman
Engr. Jowell Velvez, Ayala Land Inc.
Engr. Vincent Ebia, Ayala Land Inc.