Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has called out contractors behind the city’s flood control projects for failing to pay a staggering ₱255 million in taxes.
Out of 315 contractors, only nine have settled their dues—amounting to just ₱8 million. The rest, Moreno said, still owe the city big time.
City Hall already sent statements of account (SOAs) to notify the companies of their obligations. But shockingly, some contractors even refused to accept the notice.
“I wish them good luck,” Moreno said with frustration. “Sayang naman. They were given due process, yet they still didn’t answer.”
According to him, around 100 companies received SOAs, with many holding multiple contracts. The city has tried to deal with them diplomatically, but the mayor warned: if they continue to ignore their obligations, charges will be filed.
“As much as possible, we are being diplomatic,” Moreno explained. “But if they do not respond, we have no choice but to act on the evidence and file charges, just like what happened last week.”
The mayor stressed that contractors will still be given time to comply. However, those who refuse will face the ultimate penalty—blacklisting.
“We will join the call of the President and the DPWH to ban and blacklist them,” Moreno said. “Once blacklisted, these companies will no longer be given permits by the City Engineering Office and the Office of the Building Official.”
He also urged private businesses to check a contractor’s background before making deals, to avoid being dragged into messy situations.
On Manila’s flooding woes, Moreno admitted the problem can only be managed through strong flood control strategies.
Currently, the city is pushing drainage projects and relentless declogging efforts.
“Not a single day passes that we’re not digging up Manila’s sewers,” the mayor said. “If I had ₱140 billion, I’d dig up the entire city all at once. We’d endure three years of traffic and chaos, so the next generation won’t have to suffer from flooding.”
