Manila’s Garbage Crisis: Accountability, Governance, and the Politics of Waste Management

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The city of Manila is once again at the center of controversy, this time revolving around uncollected garbage, unpaid fees, and a brewing political clash between Mayor Honey Lacuna and Leonel Waste Management Corporation. The issue, which began as a contractual disagreement, has spiraled into a debate on governance, accountability, and the role of politics in public service delivery.

The Garbage Crisis: Unpaid Bills or Undefined Debt?

At the heart of the controversy is the admission by Mayor Honey Lacuna that while the city government had settled payments for the first four months of 2024, subsequent payments for May to December remain "under processing." Leonel Waste Management Corporation claims that Manila owes them over ₱561 million, but Lacuna refuses to label this as "debt," emphasizing that payments follow government accounting protocols and are not immediately due and demandable.

"Hindi ito masasabing utang kung hindi ito 'due and demandable' kagaya ng nakasaad sa aming kontratang pinirmahan," Mayor Lacuna stated, referring to the systematic process required for government disbursements.

However, residents of Manila are less concerned about semantics and more about the growing heaps of uncollected garbage, which pose serious health and environmental risks. Post-holiday trash has clogged streets, emitted foul odors, and become a breeding ground for diseases.

The Political Undertones

The garbage issue isn’t just about uncollected waste; it’s also a political powder keg. Mayor Lacuna hinted at possible political motivations behind Leonel’s accusations, noting the company's alleged connection with former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, her potential political rival in the upcoming elections.

The timing of these allegations—just months before the 2025 local elections—has led observers to question whether the issue is being used as a political weapon rather than addressed as a governance concern.

Where Did It Go Wrong?

At its core, the controversy reveals systemic issues with how waste management contracts are awarded, monitored, and fulfilled:

Payment Delays: While it’s true that government payments involve rigorous auditing and disbursement protocols, a backlog of eight months indicates inefficiency or negligence.

Service Delivery: Leonel claims they provided continuous garbage collection services, while the city accuses them of abandoning their contractual obligations.

Accountability Gaps: The lack of transparency in the handling of funds and responsibilities raises questions about oversight in the local government’s processes.

Public Sentiment: Frustration and Distrust

The public’s frustration is palpable on social media. Residents have called out both the city government and Leonel for their apparent failure to prioritize public welfare over financial disputes. Comments have ranged from sarcastic jabs to serious calls for accountability:

"Hindi daw utang pero hindi pa nababayaran. Ano ang ibig sabihin niyan?"

"Mag-ipon ng basura, mag-ipon ng pera, pero walang bayad sa serbisyo?"

"Kahit anong paliwanag, malinaw na malinaw na nagpabaya si Mayor Lacuna."

Meanwhile, supporters of Mayor Lacuna have defended her, emphasizing the importance of following proper financial procedures:

"Ang matibay na prinsipyo ni Mayor Honey ay hindi gamitin ang pondo ng gobyerno nang walang tamang proseso."

"Hindi ito simpleng utang kundi proseso na sinusunod ng batas."

Environmental Responsibility: A Bigger Issue at Play

While Manila’s garbage issue plays out on the political stage, a larger environmental crisis looms. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) remains poorly implemented across many LGUs, including Manila. Critics argue that this law lacks enforcement teeth and political will.

Environmental advocates have also criticized the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Act, arguing that a total ban on single-use plastics would have been a more effective solution. Instead, lobbyists and corporate interests allegedly watered down the legislation.

What Needs to Happen?

Immediate Resolution: Payments owed (or under process) must be addressed transparently, with regular updates provided to the public.

Accountability and Auditing: Independent auditing should be conducted to verify claims from both the Manila City government and Leonel.

Strengthen Environmental Laws: Full implementation of RA 9003 and stricter policies on plastic waste are long overdue.

Political Neutrality: Essential services like waste management must remain insulated from political rivalries.

Looking Ahead

As the city approaches the 2025 elections, Manila’s residents must remain vigilant. Both the government and Leonel must prioritize the welfare of the people they serve, rather than leveraging public services as tools for political maneuvering.

Mayor Honey Lacuna’s commitment to following proper financial procedures must translate into visible action on the streets of Manila, where residents continue to suffer from the stench of uncollected waste. Meanwhile, Leonel must provide evidence of their services rendered and work towards a solution rather than escalate the political rhetoric.

Manila deserves clean streets, accountable leaders, and a government that values action over political posturing. The garbage crisis isn’t just about trash—it’s a reflection of how deeply governance, accountability, and politics are intertwined in the city’s administrative framework.

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