Manila Mayor Isco Moreno oversees a cleanup operation in the city. ISKO MORENO

On his first day back as Manila’s mayor this week, Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso declared a garbage crisis and vowed that the capital’s streets will be cleared of trash within three days. “I think we are at 55 percent. Our estimate is that we will return to normal in three days, hopefully,” Moreno told GMA Integrated News on Tuesday (July 1). The crisis stems from a P961 million debt to garbage contractors. The city owes P400 million to current providers PhilEco and MetroWaste, and P561 million to former contractor Leonel Waste Management Corp. Both current contractors halted services over unpaid dues since January, while Leonel was previously removed for allegedly abandoning duties—a claim the company denies. “It’s an eyesore and a health hazard,” Moreno said in a Facebook Live broadcast in Filipino. “We will not point fingers. We will act on the matter. We will confront this problem head-on.” To solve the issue, Moreno tapped Leonel to resume operations at no cost. He also mobilized the Department of Public Services, Engineering and Public Works, and the Traffic Bureau. Over 800 barangay leaders were ordered to spearhead cleanups in their areas. Residents were urged to hold off on dumping trash until streets are cleared. Honey Lacuna, Moreno’s predecessor, has not issued a comment. She previously said Leonel’s payment was in process but questioned the company’s suspension of service. CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page