Manila and Quezon City have extended their deadlines for the payment of local business taxes and fees.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, the Manila city council approved a grace period up to Feb. 20 without penalty.

She said the measure was necessary because of the long holiday vacation.

Agreeing with city treasuer Erlinda Ocampo-Marteja on the plan to defer the deadline, Mayor Alfredo Lim likewise endorsed it to the council.

In Quezon City, the last day was reset to Feb. 2 following Monday?s council session which passed an ordinance for the deferment.

?The original proposal was for a Jan. 31 extension. In the end, however, we have decided to stretch the deadline up to Feb. 2 but the 10-percent discount for those who would pay their taxes within this period no longer applies,? said Majority Leader Ariel Inton.

Inton and Councilor Jorge Banal authored two separate measures seeking an extension ?to accommodate the large number of taxpayers paying their business taxes, fees and charges for the year 2009.?

Last week, city treasurer Victor Endriga said bulk of the P10-billion income last year came from business and real estate taxes.

?We are confident to maintain it,? he said, noting that P3.23 billion represented business taxes, followed by real estate taxes, P1.185 billion; transfer taxes, community taxes, amusement taxes and other fees, P674.76 million

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. earlier directed Endriga to accommodate taxpayers even on weekends. This, he said, would ensure that all could pay their tax dues.

In Navotas City, Mayor Toby Tiangco presented awards to top taxpayers.

Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Maria Trinidad said the firms were Linton Inc., Philippine Beverage Partners Inc., Vifel Ice Plant and Cold Storage, Columbia International Food Products, Western Garments Inc., Frabelle Fishing Corp., Purechem Corp., D.M. Consunji Inc., Ravago Equipment Rentals Inc. and Via Mare Corp. Joel M. Sy Egco, Tony Macapagal and Gigi Mu?oz David