MANILA, Philippines — Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso assured foreign investors that his administration will maintain current tax rates and streamline regulatory processes to position the capital as an affordable and predictable business hub.
The commitment was made during a courtesy call by delegates from the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines) at Manila City Hall on Thursday.
Domagoso outlined a governance framework centered on keeping operational costs low, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and enforcing consistent government policies. As part of efforts to improve the ease of doing business, the city government successfully reduced zoning requirements from 22 to seven.
“You are always welcome to do business in Manila. It is inexpensive to do business in Manila. We will not raise taxes,” Domagoso told the delegation.
Highlighting transparency within his administration, the mayor emphasized strict accountability in financial transactions, noting, “When you pay one peso, you get one peso receipt.” His administration’s approach focuses on three core pillars: addressing residents’ minimum basic needs, generating business opportunities, and maintaining transparent rules.
AmCham Philippines Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe, who led the delegation, praised the local government’s proactive stance and stated that the meeting reinforced confidence in the capital’s economic potential.
“This is always more than we expected today. To meet with the mayor is always an honor and a privilege, and what we were looking for is to learn more about why American investors or other foreign investors should come and invest in the city of Manila,” Hinchliffe said.
“Mission accomplished. He very clearly outlined the reasons that Manila is open for business, and I can now go back and very confidently recommend the city,” he added.
AmCham Philippines represents over 900 corporate members operating throughout the country.