The City of Manila continues to see solid business activity heading into 2026, with new registrations well ahead of the end of the year.
Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso said data from the Bureau of Permit indicate businessmen and entrepreneurs “continue to bet on Manila” even as external risks weigh on the national outlook.
Of the 55,924 registered businesses in the capital, 1,390 have retired so far this year, equivalent to a 2.48 percent retirement rate.
In contrast, the city has recorded 7,265 new business registrations, translating to a 12.99 percent registration rate.
This accounted for a net business growth rate of 10.51 percent, which the mayor said was a clear sign of sustained confidence in Manila’s economy.
Domagoso 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 percent in the first half of the year to 81 percent between July and September.
Domagoso said Manila’s economic gains came at a time when national forecasts have turned more cautious.
Earlier this week, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) trimmed its 2024 growth outlook for the Philippines to 5.2 percent after a softer third quarter and weather-related disruptions.
Despite these headwinds, Domagoso said recent data show the city “holding firm,” supported by reforms in permitting, fiscal management, and frontline service delivery.
