Manila’s Mounting Mess: Unpaid Collectors Spark Health Emergency

Manila, Philippines—Manila is on the brink of a public health emergency as newly-instated Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso declared a severe garbage crisis on his first day in office, June 30, 2025. The crisis stems from massive unpaid debts to waste collection firms, leading to an alarming accumulation of trash across the city.

The two main garbage collection contractors, PhilEco and MetroWaste Solid Management Corporation, ceased operations effective June 30, citing nearly P1 billion in unpaid obligations from the previous city administration. These companies reportedly received payments only up to January 2025, despite serving for several months.

This is not the first time Manila has faced such a predicament. Leonel Waste Management Corporation, the city’s long-standing waste collector since 1993, also terminated its contract in December 2024 due to P561 million in unpaid debts for services rendered up to that point. Former Mayor Honey Lacuna attributed the piles of uncollected trash in early 2025 to Leonel’s alleged failure, while Leonel maintained that they had faithfully fulfilled their contract despite the outstanding payments. After Leonel’s departure, the city contracted PhilEco and MetroWaste, but they also encountered similar payment issues.

In response to the escalating crisis, Mayor Moreno has taken immediate action. He has appealed to Leonel Waste Management to temporarily resume garbage collection for free while the city assesses its financial situation and devises long-term solutions. Simultaneously, a city-wide clean-up drive has been initiated, with orders for the Department of Public Services (DPS), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), and over 800 barangay officials to mobilize personnel and equipment.

Mayor Moreno emphasized the severe threat to public health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations, posed by the uncollected waste. He plans to meet with the city council on July 1 to formalize the declaration of a public health emergency and vowed to hold those responsible for the financial mismanagement accountable. The mayor has also urged residents to temporarily delay disposing of their trash if possible and is seeking assistance from the national government through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Resolving Manila’s sanitation issues was a cornerstone of Mayor Moreno’s campaign.

This unfolding crisis demonstrates the urgent need for financial transparency and efficient management within the city’s waste disposal system to prevent further health and environmental hazards.