Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso reported that public and investor trust in the nation’s capital has been restored, a year after his administration inherited what he described as a difficult fiscal situation when he returned to City Hall.
Domagoso said his administration took over with P14.6 billion in unpaid prior years’ obligations from the previous administration, alongside overdue bills to garbage contractors and utility providers, and a City Hall budget strained by years of accumulated financial pressure.
“Pero malinaw sa atin ito: we did not inherit excuses, we inherited obligations. And through disciplined fiscal management, we turned debt into stability, and stability into better service for every Manilans,” Domagoso said.
Despite the inherited debt, Domagoso said business registrations in Manila rose by 332 percent over the past year, while business renewals increased by 105 percent.
He added that private investment in construction projects approved by the Office of the Building Official also grew significantly, from P2.7 billion under the previous administration to P9.3 billion in the first year of the 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,” the Mayor said.
“A city grows when people believe in it again. Today, Manila is growing because confidence has returned. And when trust returns, investments follow, opportunities multiply, and progress becomes unstoppable,” he added.
On the fiscal side, Domagoso said his administration has paid down P7.8 billion of its inherited obligations within the year, reducing the remaining balance to P6.8 billion. He also said the city has fully settled P307 million in overdue utility payments to providers including Meralco, Maynilad, and Manila Water.
“Goodbye, Judith!” the Mayor said, referring to the recurring utility due dates his administration said it inherited unpaid upon taking office.
Domagoso said revenue collection efficiency rose from 62.9 percent under the previous administration to 90.3 percent in the first year of the current term, with total revenue climbing from P15.5 billion to P19.2 billion, a 24-percent increase he said came despite the impact of a global oil price crisis and tensions stemming from the conflict between the United States and Iran.
“We inherited P14.6 billion commercial debts, but we delivered results and never compromised the services our people deserved. Every peso was managed with discipline, every obligation was met with accountability, and every decision was guided by service to every Manileño,” the Mayor said.
Domagoso also said his administration collected more than P309 million in contractor’s tax after pursuing flood control contractors operating in Manila, an action he said was taken independently of the ongoing national investigation into the flood control scandal.
He credited part of the past year’s results to the relationship between his office and the City Council.
“A well-run City Hall means a better Manila for all. And when the Executive and Legislative branches work as one, every decision becomes faster, every policy becomes stronger, and every Manileño benefits. Iyan po ang Bilis Kilos 2.0,” the Mayor said.
Domagoso also cited programs such as the One Smart TV, One Laptop, One Classroom initiative for public schools and the expanded YorMilk feeding program among his administration’s social services efforts.
“Our aspiration to Make Manila Great Again begins with healthier children, better schools, decent homes, and quality healthcare for every Manilan family,” he said.
The City of Manila marks its 455th founding anniversary this year, with the Mayor citing the past year’s fiscal results as part of his account of the city’s recovery.
“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.
