The Manila City Government has paid nearly half of its total financial obligations, with officials reporting steady progress in restoring the city’s fiscal health.

During the 24th City Government Directional Meeting, city officials said there was a clear presentation of the city’s current financial condition.

“Sa ika-24 na City Government Directional Meeting, nagkaroon tayo ng malinaw na paglalatag ng kalagayang pinansyal ng lungsod (During the 24th City Government Directional Meeting, there was a clear presentation of the city’s financial condition),” officials said.

According to the city government, around 48 percent of the city’s approximately P11 billion in obligations has already been paid. From an earlier estimate of four years, officials said the remaining balance is now expected to be settled within two to three years.

City officials also reflected on the challenges faced during the first six months following the administration’s return to City Hall.

“Nagpapasalamat din tayo sa Diyos dahil nakaraos tayo sa unang anim na buwan ng ating pagbabalik, hindi madali, pero nagawa at ngayon ay tuloy-tuloy (We also thank God that we were able to get through the first six months of our return, it was not easy, but it was accomplished and now the work continues),” they said

They emphasized that meaningful development cannot happen without sound financial resources.

“Totoo po, mananatiling pangarap lamang ang mga plano para sa ating siyudad kung walang sapat na pondo (Truly, plans for our city will remain only dreams if there are no sufficient funds),” officials said 

The city government expressed its gratitude to Manila taxpayers, noting that tax revenues have allowed the city to sustain public programs while addressing outstanding debts.

“Kaya taos-puso ang pasasalamat din natin sa mga taxpayers ng Maynila, dahil sa inyo, nagagawa nating itaguyod ang mga programa ng lungsod at sabay na ayusin ang mga utang na iniwan sa atin  (That is why we extend our sincere thanks to Manila’s taxpayers, because of you, we are able to sustain city programs while simultaneously fixing the debts left to us),” the statement read.

Despite the challenges anticipated this year, city officials said the administration’s direction remains firm.

“Sa kabila ng mga haharapin natin na hamon ngayong 2026, nananatiling malinaw ang direksiyon na ating tatahakin: ayusin ang estado ng pananalapi ng Pamahalaang Lungsod at ituloy ang serbisyo para sa mga Batang Maynila (Despite the challenges we will face in 2026, our direction remains clear: to fix the financial condition of the City Government and continue delivering services for the Batang Maynila),” they said.