Manila Mayor Isko Moreno assured American and foreign investors that the city would maintain low business costs, avoid tax increases, and streamline regulatory requirements to encourage more investments.
Mayor Isko made the commitment during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) at Manila City Hall on November 5, 2026.
During the meeting, Mayor Isko outlined his administration’s three priorities for business governance: addressing Minimum Basic Needs (MBN), expanding business opportunities, and ensuring clear and predictable regulations.
He also highlighted improvements in the city’s ease of doing business, particularly the reduction of zoning requirements from 22 to seven, as part of efforts to simplify business transactions.
“When you pay one peso, you get one peso receipt,” Mayor Isko said, emphasizing transparency and accountability in government transactions.
He likewise reiterated that businesses are welcome in Manila and assured investors that his administration has no plans to increase business taxes.
Meanwhile, AmCham Philippines Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe welcomed the meeting, saying Mayor Isko clearly presented the opportunities available to American and foreign investors in the city.
Hinchliffe said the delegation’s expectations were exceeded and expressed confidence in recommending Manila as an investment destination.
AmCham Philippines has more than 900 members nationwide, representing various American and multinational companies operating in the country.
