By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — One year after inheriting billions of pesos in unpaid obligations, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday declared that Manila has regained the confidence of both its residents and investors, fueling a sharp rise in business activity and private-sector investments.
Marking the city’s 455th founding anniversary, Domagoso said his administration took over a financially strained City Hall burdened by P14.6 billion in unpaid obligations, overdue utility bills, and mounting debts to contractors and service providers.
“We did not inherit excuses, we inherited obligations,” the mayor said, emphasizing that fiscal discipline and accountability guided the city’s recovery efforts.
According to Domagoso, business registrations surged by 332 percent during the past year, while business renewals climbed by 105 percent, signaling renewed confidence in Manila as a business destination.
Private investments also accelerated, with approved construction projects increasing from P2.7 billion under the previous administration to P9.3 billion during the first year of his current term.
“Cities do not rise on resources alone; they rise on trust. And when Manila regained the trust of its people and its partners, it regained its future,” Domagoso said.
The mayor reported that City Hall has already settled P7.8 billion of its inherited obligations, cutting the remaining balance to P6.8 billion. The city government also fully paid P307 million in overdue utility bills owed to Meralco, Maynilad, and Manila Water.
Revenue collection performance likewise improved significantly. Collection efficiency rose from 62.9 percent to 90.3 percent, while total revenues increased from P15.5 billion to P19.2 billion — a 24-percent jump despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions abroad.
Domagoso also disclosed that the city collected more than P309 million in contractors’ taxes after intensifying efforts to ensure compliance among flood-control contractors operating within Manila.
He credited the city’s progress to close coordination between the Executive and Legislative branches of the local government, describing it as a key component of his administration’s “Bilis Kilos 2.0” governance agenda.
Beyond fiscal reforms, Domagoso highlighted social programs aimed at improving education and child welfare, including the One Smart TV, One Laptop, One Classroom initiative and the expanded YorMilk feeding program.
“Our aspiration to Make Manila Great Again begins with healthier children, better schools, decent homes, and quality healthcare for every Manilan family,” he said.
Looking ahead, the mayor said Manila’s recovery is no longer about overcoming financial difficulties but about building a stronger future for the country’s capital.
“Manila is no longer fighting for survival; Manila is now fighting for a better future. Manila is moving forward to make the capital city Great Again,” Domagoso said.
ia/xf
