PR
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday, July 31, signed an ordinance declaring a tax amnesty program in the nation’s capital.
Domagoso signed Ordinance No. 8566 granting a general amnesty on all delinquent business taxes, real property taxes, regulatory fees and other service charges.
“A rising number of taxpayers affected by economic misfortune have experienced hardships in paying their basic taxes, fees and charges,” the ordinance read.
“As a consequence, these unpaid impositions have incurred surcharge and interests, making it even more difficult for taxpayers to settle their obligations,” it added.
The ordinance states that tax amnesty is an “effective response” that gives delinquent taxpayers a “fresh clean start.”
“An effective response to the clamor of our constituencies for an immediate relief is in order to give stakeholders a fresh clean start with the assumption of a new administration,” it said.
The ordinance was part of the Domagoso’s promises during the 2019 local elections. The Mayor had promised that a general tax amnesty would be declared in September under his leadership.
“Ang bilis kasi ni Vice Mayor eh, dapat September pa ito,” the Mayor quipped during the signing ceremony.
The tax amnesty is also part of the Mayor’s proposed social amelioration stimulus package to uplift the lives of Manilenos suffering from poverty.
“Mga negosyante, pwede na kayo sumuko. Wala na magchecheck ng libro niyo. This is the time to finally correct your books,” he added.
