Former Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso vowed to bring back cleanliness and stability in the city through his proactive tax amnesty program and efficient garbage collection scheme.
Domagoso made the pledge in a speech before members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) where he stated that upon assuming office in 2019, he not only maintained tax rates but also implemented the longest tax amnesty in the city's history.
“Now I'm here, let me assure you for purposes of certainty, so that you can plan ahead of time with regard to your business in the City of Manila, it will stay in the next five years in the City of Manila,” Domagoso said.
He explained that this six-month tax amnesty, which began on July 1, 2019, allowed businesses and residents to settle obligations without penalties.
He added that the consistency in tax policies will also encourage economic growth and provide a business-friendly environment in Manila.
“If you remember the moment I assumed office, I issued and asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod, (to) come up with a law: the longest tax amnesty in the history of Manila. That was six months tax amnesty when I assumed July 1, 2019 at nangyari 'yung pinangako ko at naganap at hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nababago ang tax code ng City of Manila (If you remember the moment I assumed office, I issued and asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod, come up with a law: the longest tax amnesty in the history of Manila. That was six months of tax amnesty when I assumed July 1, 2019 and that promise has been fulfilled. Until now, the tax code of the City of Manila has not been changed)," Domagoso stressed.
Domagoso, who is seeking Manila's top post, also underscored the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the city not just for the health and wellness of Manileños, but also to entice business owners to invest in the city, and open up more job opportunities to residents.
“I guarantee you, what happened in the beginning, I guarantee you again, we will do it again, to keep our city clean and the garbage collection will be properly collected on time without additional fees from our communities,” Domagoso said.