Former Cebu 3rd District representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia is considering a possible return to electoral politics in 2028 while urging the Cebu Provincial Government to roll back taxes and fees that he says are adding to the financial burden on residents and businesses.
Garcia said during a media forum on Sept. 29 that he has not yet decided whether to seek public office in the 2028 elections. He said he is consulting people across Cebu as he weighs his options, but did not identify which position he might pursue.
The former congressman also questioned the significance of social media surveys that have included his name among possible 2028 contenders. He cited one online survey that placed him third with 18% support, but said he does not consider the figure representative because he has not declared a candidacy or conducted a province-wide campaign.
Garcia noted that he has stronger name recognition in his former congressional district than in other parts of Cebu and said online polls may also include people who are not registered voters in the province.
Instead of waiting for the next election, Garcia called on Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and the Provincial Board to consider immediate tax relief. He specifically pointed to real property taxes, transfer taxes and the costs associated with sand and gravel.
He also called for the removal of the province’s 10% environmental monitoring fee on imported sand and gravel, arguing that lower charges could provide relief to residents and businesses and help reduce costs connected to construction.
Garcia said the issue extends beyond property owners and construction companies because higher costs can eventually affect businesses, workers and consumers. He argued that existing relief measures should be broadened rather than applied only to selected areas or sectors.
The proposal comes as Cebu officials have separately discussed changes to property valuations and quarry-related costs. Provincial officials said fair market values for limestone, washed sand and gravel were already reduced in late 2025 following a market review. Limestone was reduced to ₱30 per cubic meter from ₱60, washed sand to ₱120 from ₱150, and gravel to ₱80 from ₱100.
Provincial officials have also said property valuations were reassessed for properties damaged by the 2025 earthquake and typhoon, resulting in a 1.75% decrease in assessed values. Any further changes to the environmental monitoring fee would require action by the Provincial Board.
Garcia, a lawyer and four-term former representative, previously served Cebu’s 3rd District and was also a deputy speaker of the House. He did not seek reelection to Congress in 2025, with his wife, Karen Hope Flores-Garcia, taking over the candidacy.
For now, Garcia’s 2028 plans remain undecided. His comments, however, place tax and fee reductions among the issues he is raising while consulting with political, business and community figures across Cebu.
