Manila: The city government of Manila announced that it has successfully collected approximately PHP160 million in taxes from contractors involved in flood control projects within the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the bimonthly Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum at the Rizal Park Hotel, Mayor Isko Moreno highlighted that this tax collection followed a strict reminder to the contractors about their tax responsibilities. Mayor Moreno emphasized the city's commitment to enforcing tax laws, stating that the government is prepared to take legal action against those who violate the Tax Code, regardless of their location in the Philippines.

Moreno further revealed that the collected taxes have been allocated to pay off various debts, including PHP58 million to the Pamantasan ng Maynila and an additional PHP25 million to settle obligations to teachers from previous years. He noted that these payments were overdue commitments to educators.

In addition to the tax collection efforts, Moreno shared that the city has taken proactive steps in disaster response by deploying a team from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to Cebu. The team was sent to assist the victims of the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake, providing medical aid to those affected by the disaster.