The Truth Behind Manila's ₱2.3 Billion Debt Allocation According to Mayor Honey Lacuna

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In 2025, Manila faces a daunting challenge under the leadership of Mayor Honey Lacuna. A staggering ₱2.3 billion of the city's annual budget has been earmarked solely for debt repayment inherited from the previous administration. This amount surpasses the funds allocated for education, economic services, and medical services in the city’s six public hospitals—significantly impacting programs that could have otherwise benefited Manila’s residents.

Who Is to Blame?

Many are questioning who should be held accountable for this massive debt. According to the current administration, the total debt left by the previous leadership amounts to ₱17.8 billion. While most financial decisions were made during the term of former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna had little to no authority over these choices. Similar to the role of a vice president, the vice mayor’s primary responsibilities are to support the mayor and step in should the mayor become unable to fulfill their duties.

How Does This Affect City Services?

Instead of utilizing the budget for projects aimed at improving the lives of residents—such as building new schools, enhancing healthcare services, or implementing livelihood programs—a large portion of the funds must go toward settling the debt. Despite this burden, the current administration has already managed to pay ₱2.5 billion since 2022.

The full repayment of the debt is projected to extend until 2044, leaving the city with a limited budget for its current needs. While this situation is unfortunate, Mayor Honey Lacuna has vowed that this will not hinder the government’s commitment to providing Manila’s residents with honest and dependable services.

The Challenge of Ensuring Honest Governance

Despite criticism and doubts cast upon her administration, Mayor Lacuna and her team remain focused on delivering the services that Manileños deserve. Efforts to improve public hospitals, provide free healthcare services, and continue infrastructure projects are ongoing, even with the financial constraints.

As Mayor Lacuna stated, “If we weren’t burdened by this massive debt, we could have done so much more for you—built new schools, expanded healthcare services, and implemented livelihood programs.”

Beyond Debt Repayment

Despite these challenges, the current administration is determined not only to pay off the debt but also to establish responsible financial management to ensure that Manila never falls into the same situation again.

While criticisms persist, it’s crucial to understand that the difficulties Manila faces today stem from decisions made in the past. The pressing question now is: What can each of us do to contribute to the city’s recovery?

Change doesn’t happen overnight. However, through careful planning, responsible governance, and collective effort, there is hope that Manila can rise again and become a shining example of true progress.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.