The Manila city government has given its newly contracted waste management companies until January 10 to clear the piles of garbage accumulated during the holiday season.
Mayor Honey Lacuna issued the directive to Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco) and MetroWaste Solid Waste Management Corp., which recently awarded the city’s P842.7 million waste collection and disposal contract.
“We have given PhilEco and MetroWaste a clear directive and a firm deadline to finish the collection of all holiday waste before January 10,” Mayor Lacuna said in a statement. “Daily monitoring of their operations is in place to ensure compliance. Restoring order in Manila remains our top priority.”
The mayor’s directive follows complaints from residents about uncollected garbage after the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The two firms are tasked with servicing the entire city, with MetroWaste responsible for Districts 1, 2, and 3, while PhilEco oversees Districts 4, 5, and 6.
Mayor Lacuna also addressed allegations from the city’s former garbage contractor, Leonel Waste Management Corp., which claimed Manila owes them PHP561.4 million. Lacuna dismissed the accusation, stating the actual amount is far smaller and pertains to a few months of services rendered in 2024.
“The amount they claim—PHP561.4 million—is far from reality. Payments for their remaining services are already being processed. Manila fulfills its obligations honestly and truthfully,” she said.
Lacuna clarified that Leonel Waste Management’s exit as the city’s contractor was unrelated to any alleged unpaid debts. She noted that the company had chosen not to participate in the public bidding for the new waste management contract.
“The leadership of Leonel Waste Management decided not to join the bidding. This was their choice, as they confirmed in my last discussion with them. We cannot allow the city’s operations to be disrupted because of a unilateral change of mind,” Lacuna said.
The mayor expressed confidence in the newly appointed contractors, emphasizing their potential to surpass the performance of the previous provider.
“The city government expects PhilEco and MetroWaste to deliver better service than their predecessor. We will honor their contracts, provided they meet or exceed the performance measures outlined,” she added.
As Manila works to address its garbage collection issues, Lacuna assured residents that her administration remains committed to maintaining cleanliness and order in the nation’s capital.