To support and ease the financial burdens on small businesses, the local government of Marikina has approved 100 percent tax relief for qualified sari-sari stores and carinderias for the tax year 2026, while also granting full amnesty on interest and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers.

Mayor Maan Teodoro signed and approved the measures on Monday, Jan. 19, as part of a package of ordinances aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and household livelihoods.

Teodoro clarified that the 100 percent tax relief applies only to sari-sari stores and carinderias that do not sell alcohol or cigarettes, highlighting their importance in supporting families’ daily livelihoods.

“Bilang tugon at bilang suporta sa ating mga kababayan at negosyante, nagbigay tayo ng direksyon sa ating City Council na ipasa ang mahahalagang ordinansa (In response and as a show of support for our residents and business owners, we instructed the City Council to pass these important ordinances),” Teodoro said.

“Muli nating ibinalik ang tax exemption o libreng buwis para sa ating mga sari-sari store at carinderia na walang panindang alak at sigarilyo, maliliit na negosyong malaki ang ambag sa pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan ng mga pamilya (We have restored the tax exemption for our sari-sari stores and carinderias that do not sell alcohol or cigarettes, small businesses that play a big role in supporting the daily livelihood of families),” the mayor continued.

All qualified sari-sari stores and carinderias will be issued certificates of exemption by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). 

“Establishments selling cigarettes and/or liquor remain ineligible for the tax relief,” the local government said.

Under the ordinance, sari-sari store and carinderia owners are exempted from paying business taxes, business permit fees, and other local regulatory fees from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.

The local government also approved a 100 percent amnesty on interests and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers, which will run until July 2026. 

It said that taxpayers may settle their obligations either in full or on a staggered basis during the amnesty period.

“Una, ang amnesty sa interests at surcharges para sa mga hindi pa nakababayad ng amilyar, na tatagal hanggang Hulyo 2026, para mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong mabayaran ang kanilang mga amilyar (First, amnesty on interests and surcharges for those who have not yet paid their real property taxes, which will run until July 2026, giving them the opportunity to settle their obligations),” Teodoro said, referring to one of the ordinances she instructed the City Council to approve.

The mayor also announced the extension of the business permit renewal deadline from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28, 2026.

“Ikalawa, pinalawig at inextend natin ang business renewal period mula sa dating deadline na Enero 20 hanggang Pebrero 28, 2026, para mabigyan pa ng sapat na panahon ang ating mga negosyante (Second, we have extended the business permit renewal period from the original deadline of January 20 to February 28, 2026, to give our business owners sufficient time),” she said. 

The local government said that no surcharges or penalties will be imposed on renewals made within the extended period.

Teodoro said these measures are intended to strengthen MSMEs and protect the welfare of families in the city. 

“Marikina is a business-friendly city. We will ensure our policies uplift local industries, foster economic resilience, and protect the welfare of our citizens,” the mayor said.