Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Tuesday signed an ordinance granting a comprehensive tax amnesty, urging delinquent taxpayers to “come out, come clean, and be forgiven” as the city waives penalties and surcharges from July to December 2025.
Ordinance No. 9118 waives penalties, surcharges and interest on unpaid city taxes, fees and regulatory charges until 31 December 2025.
The tax amnesty program, enacted eight days after Domagoso’s return as mayor and his inaugural State of the City Address, covers all forms of unpaid business taxes, delinquent real property taxes, ordinance violation receipts, regulatory and service fees, and local transfer taxes incurred within Manila’s jurisdiction.
“Despite this situation, we want everyone in this city to feel that the government of the City of Manila has eased the burden faced by many of our tax-paying countrymen,” Domagoso said.
“First, due to weak businesses, second, due to the hardship of life because the economy poses a heavy challenge to everyone due to what is happening in the world. We chose to understand the citizens and give proper attention to the difficulties faced by our constituents,” he added.
Taxpayers eligible for the amnesty include business owners with unpaid local dues, administrators of delinquent real properties and individuals transacting with the city for permits and services. The measure also allows for real property taxes to be assessed using prevailing market values and grants installment options under the City Treasurer’s supervision.
In addition to local tax relief, the ordinance incorporates guidelines from the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Local Government Finance to implement amnesty provisions under Republic Act 12001, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.