The local government of Malabon disclosed on Wednesday that registered sari-sari stores and carinderia shops in the city are now exempted from the city’s tax collection this year.

This, as City Ordinance 01-2025, or the “Pagbibigay-Luwag sa Buwis Negosyo ng mga Sari-Sari Store at Karinderyang Malabueno,” was signed by the city council to ensure the income of the small business owners.

The new city ordinance covers all carinderia and sari-sari stores, except the businesses offering other activities beyond their primary purpose.

“Excluded from the tax exemption are sari-sari stores or carinderia engaged in other forms of business activities beyond their primary purpose. This includes sari-sari stores that also operate as car repair shops, or carinderia that function as entertainment venues such as karaoke bars,” the city ordinance read.

Business owners who have paid their business taxes earlier this month will be eligible for the tax exemption for their business in 2026.

The local government also clarified that this exemption is only for business tax and that owners should still pay the regulatory fees and other charges.

Meantime, the Business Permit and Licensing Office has announced that business owners can inquire about the tax exemption by simply presenting their tax order of payment.