CinemaBravo

To ease the financial burdens of residents and businesses, the local government unit (LGU) of Marikina City has granted 100 percent tax relief to sari-sari stores and carinderias for tax year 2026, alongside a full amnesty on interests and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers.

Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro signed and approved the measures on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, as part of a package of ordinances aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and household livelihoods.

“Bilang tugon at bilang suporta sa ating mga kababayan at negosyante, nagbigay tayo ng direksyon sa ating City Council na ipasa ang mahahalagang ordinansa. Una, ang amnesty sa interests at surcharges para sa mga hindi pa nakababayad ng amilyar, na tatagal hanggang Hulyo 2026, para mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong mabayaran ang kanilang mga amilyar,” she said.

Under the ordinance, sari-sari store and carinderia owners are exempted from paying business taxes, business permit fees, and other local regulatory fees and charges from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.

Mayor Maan said the city has reinstated the tax exemption for sari-sari stores and carinderias that do not sell alcohol or cigarettes, underscoring the role of these small businesses in sustaining daily household needs.

“At ikatlo, muli nating ibinalik ang tax exemption o libreng buwis para sa ating mga sari-sari store at carinderia na walang panindang alak at sigarilyo, maliliit na negosyong malaki ang ambag sa pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan ng mga pamilya,” the mayor said.

All qualified sari-sari stores and carinderias will be issued certificates of exemption by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). Establishments selling cigarettes and/or liquor remain ineligible for the tax relief.

Real property tax amnesty, extended business renewal

Apart from the informal sector, the Marikina LGU also approved a 100 percent amnesty on interests and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers, which will run until July 2026. Taxpayers may settle their obligations either in full or on a staggered basis during the amnesty period.

Mayor Maan also announced the extension of the business permit renewal deadline from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28, 2026.

“Ikalawa, pinalawig at inextend natin ang business renewal period mula sa dating deadline na Enero 20 hanggang Pebrero 28, 2026, para mabigyan pa ng sapat na panahon ang ating mga negosyante,” she said.

No surcharges or penalties will be imposed on renewals made within the extended period.

Mayor Maan said the measures are intended to strengthen MSMEs and protect the welfare of Marikina families.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay ginagawa natin para palakasin ang ating MSMEs, ang mga negosyong nagtataguyod sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan lalo na ng mga simpleng pamilya sa ating lungsod,” she said.

“Marikina is a business-friendly city. We will ensure our policies uplift local industries, foster economic resilience, and protect the welfare of our citizens,” the mayor added. ###