Landlords and property owners in Cebu City are being urged to defer planned rent increases as households, workers and small businesses contend with higher living and operating costs.
The appeal is contained in a proposed resolution filed by City Councilor Sisinio Andales, which asks property owners to voluntarily suspend or defer rental increases “whenever reasonably practicable” until economic conditions become more stable.
The proposed measure covers both residential and commercial properties but does not impose a rent freeze or prohibit landlords from adjusting rental rates.
Instead, it calls for temporary restraint while tenants deal with higher prices of basic goods, transportation and other household expenses.
Andales cited Philippine Statistics Authority data showing that headline inflation reached 6.1% in August 2026, slightly easing from 6.2% in July.
Transport prices rose by 13.5% year-on-year in August, while the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category increased by 7.9%, according to the PSA.
Fuel costs have added to the pressure. The Department of Energy reported that from Sept. 15 to 21, pump prices increased by P5.68 per liter for gasoline, P4.31 for diesel and P4.62 for kerosene amid higher international oil prices.
The proposed resolution said higher fuel costs can affect transportation, food, utilities, goods and services, leaving tenants with less disposable income for monthly rent and other obligations.
It also recognizes the financial considerations of landlords and property owners, including their legitimate operating costs and right to receive reasonable rental income.
The measure instead asks property owners to consider the financial circumstances of tenants, including families, workers, students, senior citizens and small entrepreneurs.
According to the proposed resolution, temporarily holding off rent increases could help tenants remain in their homes and business spaces while economic pressures persist.
The measure also said voluntary restraint could help maintain stability in landlord-tenant relationships during the period of higher household and business expenses.
If approved, the resolution would formally appeal to landlords and property owners across Cebu City to defer planned increases in residential and commercial rents whenever reasonably practicable.
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