Manila mayoralty candidate Isko Moreno
MANILA 鈥� 鈥榃e did it before, and we can do it again.鈥�
This was the pledge of Manila mayoral candidate Francisco 鈥淚sko Moreno鈥� Domagoso to the city鈥檚 business owners 聽he vowed to bring back cleanliness and stability to the nation鈥檚 capital.
In a speech before the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Domagoso promised to return the tax amnesty program and the efficiency in garbage collection.
The mayoral candidate recalled that upon assuming office in 2019, he not only maintained tax rates but also implemented the longest tax amnesty in Manila鈥檚 history.
鈥淣ow, I鈥檓 here. Let me assure you for purposes of certainty, so that you can plan ahead of time with regard to your business in the City of Manila 鈥� it will stay in the next five years in the City of Manila,鈥� Domagoso told FFCCCII members on Tuesday.
The candidate explained that this six-month tax amnesty, which began on July 1, 2019, allowed businesses and residents to settle obligations without penalties.
He also stressed that consistency in tax policies would encourage economic growth and provide a business-friendly environment in the capital.
鈥淚f you remember the moment I assumed office, I issued and asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod, 鈥榗ome up with a law鈥� 鈥� the longest tax amnesty in the history of Manila,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hat was six months tax amnesty when I assumed July 1, 2019 at nangyari 鈥榶ung pinangako ko at naganap at hanggang ngayon. Hindi pa rin nababago ang tax code ng City of Manila,鈥� he noted.
(That was six months amnesty when I assumed July 1, 2019 and what I promised happened and it is ongoing until now. The tax code of the City of Manila remains unchanged.)
Domagoso鈥檚 remarks appear to have resonated with the FFCCCII members, who have long advocated for a stable and transparent business environment in Manila.
He also heeded the call of Manila residents and business owners to commit to bringing back his successful cleanliness campaign.
Keeping Manila clean was not just a promise but a commitment he had fulfilled during his term as mayor, he recalled.
鈥淚 guarantee you, what happened in the beginning, I guarantee you again, we will do it again 鈥� to keep our city clean and the garbage collection will be properly collected on time without additional fees from our communities,鈥� the mayoral candidate said.