3 Manila universities pay P150M in back taxes

MANILA, Philippines — Three universities in Manila have paid the city government more than P150 million in tax deficiencies through an amnesty program that waived penalties and surcharges for land and business owners.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso thanked representatives from Far Eastern University, the University of the East (UE) and Mapua University for settling their back taxes last week, assuring them that the money would be used for the improvement of the city.

According to the Manila Public Information Office, the three schools paid back taxes from 2009 to 2018, with UE accounting for the biggest share of the total (P100 million).

“We’ll make use of this [payment] and you will see a different housing program of the [local] government. It [will be] literally way beyond your expectations,” Domagoso told the school representatives.

The amnesty for delinquent city taxpayers will be in effect until Dec. 20, according to Manila Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Paul Vega.—Meg Adonis