Removal of garbage trucks “politically motivated”

CEBU, Philippines — Guizo Barangay Captain Jesus “Jess” Neri stated yesterday that the removal of the two garbage trucks in his barangay is purely “politically motivated,” amidst reports of failure to collect garbage in his area.

“Klaro kaayo nga pamulitika ni ilang gibuhat. Politically motivated gyud ni,” said Neri, a known ally of the Ouanos since the time of former Mayor Alfredo Ouano.

Neri mentioned that this is not the first time the Cortes administration has targeted him. He claimed that since 2023, suspended Mayor Jonas Cortes has already removed all 30 job order employees of the barangay, including the clean and green workers.

“Pag-2023 gikuhaan na ko niya og job order employees unya karon gikuhaan na sad ko og garbage trucks,” said Neri.

In a letter dated September 5, 2024, Mandaue City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan requested Neri to return the motor vehicle units owned by the city government that are currently in his possession.

The vehicles in question are the HINO MV File No. 0701-00001118106 and HYUNDAI MV File No. 0701-00000615888. Calipayan asked for the immediate return of these properties to the General Services Office upon receipt of the letter.

“Pag Hwebes pa man unta to nila kuhaon, pero gigamit pa man. So, inug Lunes na ni nila kuhaon,” said Neri.

In her letter to Mandaue City acting Mayor Glenn Bercede dated September 2, 2024, Araceli Barlam, head of the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office, stated that Barangay Guizo's waste management has been neglected, resulting in rampant disposal of mixed wastes in some areas of the barangay.

Barlam noted that the mismanagement of waste has jeopardized public interest. The MCENRO recommends that effective and appropriate measures be implemented by the city government to resolve these long-standing issues and concerns, while also protecting the best interest of the public.

Barlam attached several environmental law violations, such as illegal dumping of garbage since 2018, in her letter to Bercede.

Karla Victoria Cortes, the acting head of the city Public Information Office, said that the city government has decided to take over and address this situation.

“City will now collect Barangay Guizo's garbage. So far for most barangays no problem,” Cortes added.

“Mas maayo ilang ipakuha ang basura. Karon na lang kay duol na man ang election,” added Neri.

Neri mentioned that garbage is collected in the barangay, but not promptly, as only one of the two garbage trucks is functioning.

Neri added that they will seek assistance from Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon regarding their predicament. — (FREEMAN)