The City of Manila continues to see solid business activity heading into 2026, with new registrations well ahead of closures—a sign of strong confidence in the capital even as national growth forecasts are being cut back.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said that data from the Bureau of Permits (BOP) indicate businessmen and entrepreneurs “continue to bet on Manila,” even as external risks weigh on the Philippine outlook.
Of the 55,924 registered businesses in the capital as of November 24, 1,390 have retired so far this year, equivalent to a 2.48% retirement rate.
In contrast, the city has recorded 7,265 new business registrations, translating to a 12.99% registration rate.
This yields a net business growth rate of 10.51%, which Domagoso said is a clear sign of sustained confidence in Manila’s economy.
The mayor said the stronger numbers reflect reforms launched since July 2025, including the full reactivation of the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), the trimming of zoning requirements from 25 steps to seven, and the reduction of zoning appeals from 15 steps to five.
These measures, paired with stronger revenue enforcement, helped push the city’s collection efficiency from 61% in the first half of the year to 81% between July and September.
“Ang Maynila, unti-unting bumabangon. Sisikat muli ang araw sa Lungsod,” he said.
“Sisikat muli ang araw sa Lungsod.”
“Sa maayos at tapat na pamamahala ng pondo ng bayan, malalampasan natin ang lahat ng pagsubok. May awa ang Diyos,” Domagoso added.
He noted that Manila’s economic gains come at a time when national forecasts have turned more cautious.
“Sa maayos at tapat na pamamahala ng pondo ng bayan, malalampasan natin ang lahat ng pagsubok.”
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) recently trimmed its 2024 growth outlook for the Philippines to 5.2% after a softer third quarter and weather-related disruptions.
Fitch Solutions unit BMI said foreign direct investments could continue to slow through 2026 amid corruption concerns and global uncertainty, adding strain to a peso hovering around ₱58.90 to the dollar.
Despite these headwinds, Domagoso said recent data show the city “holding firm,” supported by reforms in permitting, fiscal management, and frontline service delivery.
In October, he highlighted stronger revenues and rising investment activity in his first 100 days back in office, which delivered 12,752 jobs and ₱7.1 billion in total investments.
The city’s finances have also strengthened, with collection efficiency improving from 61% in the year’s first half to 81% from July to September 2025.
