Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso (Photo from Manila PIO)

Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Monday, Jan. 26, expressed confidence in the city's continuous economic growth following a 40 percent increase in new business permit processing and robust renewal activity observed by Manila's Bureau of Permits.

During a meeting with the mayor and other city government officials, Bureau of Permits Director Levi Facundo reported that the city had processed 384 new business permits as of Jan. 25, a sharp increase from the 176 permits issued during the same Jan. 1 to 25 period last year.

"Of the 2026 total, 159 new permits have already been paid, matching last year’s paid count despite the significantly higher volume of applications," Facundo said.

At the same time, the city government had processed 45,261 business permit renewals, with 37,484 already paid, translating to about 82–83 percent payment compliance early in the annual renewal cycle. 

Facundo explained businesses still have about 15 days to complete payments and stressed that the figures are based on an “apples-to-apples” comparison with last year. 

"For context, the city processed 44,993 renewals from January 1–25, 2025, with 37,891 paid, showing higher renewal processing this year even as collections continue toward the deadline," he explained.

Domagoso noted the surge in new business activity during the exchange, saying that in the same period, new business permits grew by 40 percent. 

Facundo confirmed this, replying, “As of this time, yes. With 384 processed compared to 176 last year in the same period.”

He also pointed to additional upside in collections, noting that some payments remain uncleared.

To give business owners more time to comply, the city extended the renewal period without interest, penalties, or surcharges until Feb. 13, according to City Treasurer Atty. Paul Vega.

Reacting to the figures, Domagoso said the data serves as evidence of public trust in the City Hall’s systems.