WITH the May 2025 elections fast approaching, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando finds himself at the center of a growing political firestorm — one that could threaten his bid for a third term.
A controversial 10% to 15% increase in real property taxes has triggered widespread public outrage across the province’s 20 municipalities, turning once-loyal supporters into vocal critics.
What started as a fiscal measure has now evolved into a full-blown crisis, with accusations of corruption and legal violations further complicating Fernando’s re-election prospects.
The tax hike, approved under Provincial Resolution No. 538A-T 2023, has drawn fierce opposition, particularly from veteran journalist Orlan Mauricio, publisher of MetroNEWS, the oldest weekly newspaper in Malolos City.
Mauricio has taken legal action, filing a corruption case with the Ombudsman, alleging that the tax ordinance was implemented illegally.
His argument hinges on claims that the resolution was published in The Central Chronicle, a newspaper he describes as fraudulent and blacklisted, violating the Local Government Code’s mandated publication procedures and the Government Electronic Procurement Act or PhilGeps Law (RA 9184).
This legal battle has amplified public discontent, transforming the tax increase from a financial burden into a symbol of perceived government misconduct.
Compounding the controversy is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive imposing a two-year moratorium on real property tax penalties, which starkly contrasts with Fernando’s tax hike.
For many residents, this disconnect between national policy and local governance only reinforces concerns about the governor’s leadership.
While the outrage has yet to manifest in large-scale protests, a more insidious form of resistance is taking shape — many voters are quietly withdrawing their support, a shift that could prove devastating come election day.
In a province where political loyalty has long been a decisive factor, even subtle signs of discontent can spell the end of a political career.
Gov. Fernando has dismissed the allegations against him, but with mounting legal challenges and a waning public trust, his political future hangs in the balance.
If opposition forces continue to gain momentum and Mauricio’s accusations resonate further, Fernando’s once-secure bid for re-election could crumble.
As Bulacan’s voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question remains: will Fernando weather the storm, or will the weight of controversy and public outrage prove too much to overcome?
