Daily Guardian

The Daily Guardian on Tuesday categorically denied claims that it misrepresented remarks made by Philippine Statistics Authority Western Visayas (PSA-6) Director Nelida Amolar regarding the effects of Iloilo City’s real property tax (RPT) hike.

In an August 14 press conference streamed live on PSA-6’s official Facebook page, Amolar said businesses tend to adjust to higher real property taxes by raising prices of goods and services.

“As a general, kung magtaas ang RPT, bawion na sang mga establishments either add on in the prices of commodities. Kay kung mabayad sila dako, gamay ila benta — that is a direct effect, especially in wholesale, retail and even service commodities like restaurants and cafés,” she said.

Daily Guardian stressed that its report accurately reflected Amolar’s statement, which remains accessible to the public online. The paper also clarified that it did not attribute July’s inflation solely to the RPT increase, noting that PSA-6’s own data identified electricity and rentals as the primary drivers.

“To suggest that the Daily Guardian misrepresented her statement is misleading and unfounded,” the paper said in a statement.

The controversy came to a head on August 18 when Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu reacted strongly to questions linking the RPT hike to inflation. Following the exchange, Amolar publicly disowned her earlier statement, a move the paper described as a “troubling reversal” that raises questions about the independence of public institutions when under political pressure.

Daily Guardian noted that other media outlets also reported on Amolar’s remarks, but it has been singled out in criticisms.

“The people of Iloilo City deserve clarity, not contradictions; transparency, not doublespeak,” the paper said, adding that it will continue reporting based on evidence and accountability.

“Daily Guardian did not misquote, nor did we fabricate. We reported what was said — and we will continue to do so. You can’t bully the truth.”