G-HERNANDEZ – The landowners and the Philippine Mining Service Corp (PMSC) and Bohol Limestone Corporation (BLC) failed to agree on P5.00/sq.m. rent for upland limestone mine of this town despite the fact that the Board of Directors in behalf of the landowners already approved it.
The October 14, 2025 assembly resulted to a heated debate as landowners demanded P10/sq.m. from the companies but the latter is amenable only for P5.00/sq.m.
Municipal kagawad Lito Dajalos bared that the BOD “already accepted the P5.00/sq.m. for upland” during the negotiation between the landowners BOD and the two companies on September 01, 2025.
Based on the minutes dated September 24, 2025, “The chairman further confirmed that when the company agreed for the P5.00/sq.m. for upland the Board of Directors accepted the offer on September 1, 2025 together with the annual financial assistance of to GHLOMPC of P1,000,000.00 and the One-Time Cash Assistance of P5,000,000.00 for member’s benefits.”
Some landowners questioned the way the BD approved it without consulting them. One said it should be the assembly that has the authority and not the BOD to approve or not on the rent.
Director Cesar Jamero explained that under the limestone landowners Cooperative Constitution and By-Laws provides how the BOD acted on the increase of land rent. “The body has to accept the decision of the BOD because they are elected to represent the cooperative in the negotiation table,” a certain Israel G. Ranario pointed out in the Sept. 24, 2025 minutes of proceedings. The reaction of Israel Ranario was a response to Antonio Ranario claim to replace all the members of the BOD.
Engr. Paul Espina, representing the PMSC, also stressed that they attended the Oct. 14 meeting not to negotiate but to explain to them why the companies can only afford for P5.00/sq.m.
He said that the landowner demand for P10.00/sq.m. may not be feasible due to losses of the companies and other factors like the uncertainties and low prices on the market.
Company’s data showed that PMSC posts losses of P70 million in 2022; P30 million in 2023; and P43 million in 2024. The BLC losses P9 million in 2023 but it earned P19 million in 2024. The said incomes do not yet include the tax.
Mr. John Ochavillo raised the concern of higher royalty taxes when the town classification from 4th to 3rd class takes effect that may result to high royalty taxes. This is aside from the impending land reclassification from agricultural to mineral that will affect the upland lots leased by the miners.
This concern (paying high taxes after the reclassification) is being addressed as the companies concerned will pay the said tax increase.
“Espina assured that the company will pay any increase of taxes relative to transition from 4th to 3rd class municipality and from land reclassification from agricultural to mineral land as long as the signed contract of lease is in effect between the company and landowners for the next 25 years that will expire on September 30, 2050.” The company will the said tax increase directly to the municipal treasurer’s office of this town.
If the P5.00/sq.m. pushed thru, a hectare of land would earn P50,000.00/year. If this is multiplied by over 240 hectares being leased, this involves over P300 million in 25 years.
The company offered land rates for lease on the following: for Riceland @p22.60/sq.m.; and for residential, P11.30/sq. m. for the period 2025-2030, aside from upland. (Ric Obedencio)
