Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has allocated ₱58.75 million in subsidies to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), drawn from the city’s ₱160 million collection of unpaid local taxes from contractors involved in flood control projects.
The collection followed the city’s issuance of Statements of Account (SOAs) to contractors that were found operating without coordination or proper permits under Manila’s local tax code. The funds were recovered after an internal audit covering nearly 300 flood control projects across the city.
“Ang halagang ito ay mula sa bahagi ng ₱160 milyong nakolektang buwis ng pamahalaang lungsod mula sa mga contractor ng mga flood control project,” Moreno said during the 13th City Government Directional Meeting.
The check turnover to PLM President Atty. Sonny Reyes was witnessed by OIC City Treasurer Atty. Paul Vega and other city officials. The mayor said the funding will help sustain PLM’s operations and strengthen its academic and student support programs.
“Sisiguraduhin natin na tapat at episyente ang paggugol ng pondo upang sa ganitong paraan ay unti-unti nating mabayaran ang ating mga obligasyon at masuportahan ang mga kailangang gastusin ng lungsod,” Moreno added.
Apart from PLM, portions of the ₱160 million recovery will fund allowances for teachers, police officers, solo parents, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as part of the city’s social assistance initiatives.
The city government also expects to collect an additional ₱60 million in back taxes from other contractors that have yet to settle their obligations.
According to the city government, all recovered funds will be remitted to the general fund, dedicated to programs in education, healthcare, and social welfare.