After the Spanish incorporated Manila as a city in 1571, membership to the council was originally restricted to them.

On June 24, 1571 (which would later be declared as Manila Day), the municipal government, or the Cabildo was established, consisting of two mayors, twelve councilors, and a secretary.

[4][5] An advisory board was included, with all eleven members being Filipinos, representing each of Manila's 11 wards.

It reconvened on July 20, 1945, upon the liberation of Manila, consisting of new members appointed by President Sergio Osmeña.

[1][6] After the People Power Revolution, the municipal board was revived, which gradually evolved into the present-day city council.

In its inauguration, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno remarked that "The City of Manila will be the first to use this kind of technology here in the Philippines.

"[8] The Spanish-era cabildo met at the Ayuntamiento de Manila, also known as the Casas Consistoriales, in Intramuros.