Garbage piles in Manila remain uncollected

MANILA, Philippines —  Manila residents should submit complaints over uncollected garbage in the city, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“If the garbage is not collected for more than a week and there is no action despite your request to the local government unit, you can coordinate with the DENR. Send us pictures, evidence and we will remind the LGU. If there is no response, we will refer it to the National Solid Waste Commission,” Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said yesterday.

Erring LGUs can be held criminally and administratively liable under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Leones said.

Garbage has been piling up in the city since the New Year festivities.

Two new contractors for garbage collection have until Friday to dispose trash in the city, according to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. and MetroWaste Solid Waste Management Corp. were awarded contracts totaling P842.7 million.

Meanwhile, the Malabon government clarified the terms of its terminated contract with MetroWaste amid allegations of unpaid dues to the firm.

Malabon’s contract with MetroWaste was terminated last year following the firm’s alleged failure to efficiently manage waste collection and adhere to contractual obligations. –  Ghio Ong