Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso granted a general tax amnesty to Manilenos through Ordinance No. 9118 that seeks to ease their burden of paying local taxes.

The general amnesty took effect on Tuesday, July 8, upon signing by the mayor, and will last until Dec. 31, 2025.

Domagoso was joined by Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, Majority Floor Leader Mon Yupangco, Secretary to the Mayor Letlet Zarcal, City Administrator Atty. Wardee Quintos and members of the city council at the Manila City Hall session hall.

“I am signing an ordinance granting a general tax amnesty on all illegal business taxes, real property taxes, regulatory fees, and other service charges, including ordinance violation receipts (OVRs), official billing receipts (OBRs), penalties, and related charges, and for other purposes,” Domagoso said.

The mayor said that despite the financial challenges facing the city, he wants residents to know that they are doing their part to ease the burden of paying taxes.

“Despite this situation, everyone in this city, gusto namin iparamdam sa inyo na ang gobyerno ng Lungsod ng Maynila ay nakapagpagaan ng katayuan sa hirap na kinakaharap ng marami nating kababayan na nagbabayad ng buwis (We want the people to feel that the City Government of Manila has made things lighter for many taxpayers who are going through difficult times),” he said.

He explained that the decision was made because businesses are struggling and the cost of living is high due to global economic problems.

“Una, sa mahinang negosyo, pangalawa, sa hirap ng buhay dahil ang ekonomiya'y may mabigat na hamon sa lahat dahil sa nangyayari sa mundo (First, because of slow business activity. Second, because of the rising cost of living, as the economy faces heavy challenges brought about by what is happening around the world),” he said.

“Mas minabuti naming unawain ang mamamayan at bigyan ng tamang pansin ang hirap na kinakaharap ng ating nasasakupan (We chose to understand the people and give proper attention to the hardships being faced by our constituents),” he added.

The mayor also encouraged residents to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens/taxpayers and said the city government would do its part in return.

“We'll do better. We'll change ourselves, we'll police ourselves. We need your help also to fulfill your obligation as businessmen, investors, and citizen or taxpayers. Bilang ganti, ang sukli sa pagtitiwala niyo sa pamahalaang lungsod bagay na kami'y magbubuti sa aming tungkulin (In return for your trust in the city government, we will do better in carrying out our responsibilities),” he stated.