Quezon City reports doubled budget, zero new taxes under Belmonte

QUEZON CITY — Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte told the City Council on Monday that her administration has achieved significant financial improvements, describing the development as a fundamental transformation of the city's fiscal position.

In her 2026 State of the City Address, Belmonte cited the expansion of the city's budget to more than double its 2019 level as evidence of improved financial management. She emphasized that this growth was accomplished without introducing new tax measures on residents and businesses.

The mayor's pronouncements underscored the administration's focus on fiscal discipline and resource optimization. Operating without accumulating debt while expanding budgetary allocations suggests improved revenue collection and cost management, according to officials.

The SOCA, delivered before the City Council, outlined key achievements and policy directions for the year ahead. Quezon City, as the country's largest city by land area and population, serves as a key indicator of local government financial health in the National Capital Region.