Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has encouraged business owners and property taxpayers in the capital to maximize the benefits of the city’s General Tax Amnesty and early payment discounts for real property taxes.
Speaking before members of the Anvil Business Club on Tuesday evening, Domagoso said these initiatives aim to help taxpayers clean up their records while also strengthening the city’s financial stability and recovery.
“Sayang po ang diskwento—kung maaga kayong magbayad, malaking tulong ito sa inyo at sa lungsod,” he said.
Domagoso added, “Malinis na ang inyong record, wala nang habol o problema sa buwis at nakakolekta naman ang pamahalaan ng pondo para sa mga proyekto ng taumbayan.”
The General Tax Amnesty, enacted under Ordinance No. 9118, was signed by Domagoso earlier this year and will remain effective until the end of the year. The measure offers penalties and interest waivers on delinquent taxes for both individuals and businesses.
According to Domagoso, the city government has already collected ₱266.36 million in back taxes since the program took effect. This includes ₱127.43 million from real property tax, ₱94.98 million from business tax, and ₱43.93 million from other miscellaneous dues.
He added that without the amnesty, the total amount due would have reached ₱380.17 million, meaning taxpayers collectively saved around ₱113.8 million through the program.
As of this month, 13,988 taxpayers have availed of the amnesty, allowing them to settle long-overdue accounts and restore their good standing with the city government.
Domagoso emphasized that the initiative is not only an opportunity for taxpayers to start fresh but also a crucial step in ensuring that Manila continues to fund vital infrastructure, social, and public service projects.