Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said on Tuesday that the city’s garbage situation should stabilize within three days, following service interruptions caused by unpaid dues to garbage contractors.
In a report by GMA Integrated News, Moreno stated, “We’re about 55% through the cleanup. Hopefully, within three days we’ll be back to normal.”
The cleanup became urgent after two waste management firms, PhilEco and MetroWaste, ceased operations over delayed payments dating back to January. A third firm, Leonel, the previous contractor, is also awaiting payment.
PhilEco and MetroWaste are reportedly owed nearly ₱400 million, while Leonel has yet to receive ₱561 million.
The standoff led Moreno to consider declaring a health emergency in the city. He has been personally inspecting the streets since Monday to monitor garbage collection efforts and accelerate the cleanup process.