‘GARBAGE CRISIS’ IN MANILA

MANILA, Philippines – On his first day back in office, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday, June 30, confronted a significant garbage crisis, announcing plans to declare a state of public health emergency to address the mounting waste across the city.

In a public emergency broadcast shortly after assuming his duties, Mayor Moreno characterized the situation as a “clear and present danger” to the health and safety of Manileños. He noted that uncollected garbage was accumulating on major roads, alleys, and within barangays.

“This is not merely a garbage problem,” Moreno stated, adding, “This is a threat to the health of our fellow citizens, especially children, the elderly, and the sick.”

He revealed that several waste management companies, including PhilEco Metro Waste Management and Metro Waste Solid Waste Management Corporation, had ceased operations in Manila due to nearly ₱1 billion (approximately ₱950 million) in unpaid bills since February. This has left the city without formal garbage collection as of June 30.

In response, Moreno announced his intention to ask the Manila City Council to declare a state of public health emergency. This declaration would provide the local government with the necessary legal authority and flexibility to immediately mobilize resources, implement emergency sanitation measures, and seek assistance from national agencies and private partners. He also confirmed that he has appealed to Leonel Waste Management, a former city waste collector, to assist in clearing the piled-up garbage without charge, an appeal to which Leonel reportedly agreed.

The mayor further urged barangay officials and city personnel to commence clean-up operations while the city works towards normalizing waste collection services. “Rest assured. There is already a government in Manila,” he assured residents. “We will confront this problem—not avoid it, not blame others. Immediate action.”

Mayor Moreno also appealed to both residents and visitors to contribute to keeping the city clean and safe, emphasizing that Manila’s health must take precedence over political considerations. He further called out individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities, urging them to pay their outstanding taxes.