MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna refuted claims on Tuesday that the city owes ₱500 million to Leonel Waste Management Corporation, the former garbage collection contractor that ceased operations in the city on January 1.
In an interview, Mayor Lacuna said no mention of a ₱500 million debt was made during a September 2024 meeting with Leonel Waste Management.
It was in this meeting that the company reportedly informed the city of its decision not to participate in the bidding for Manila’s 2025 waste management contract.
The city government has since entered into a new ₱842.7 million contract with two new waste collection firms.
“I have asked for our debts to be reviewed, but it is definitely not ₱500 million. Any contractor with unpaid claims would inform the mayor of the exact amount owed,” Lacuna said, noting that the City Treasurer’s Office is set to provide an update within the day.
The mayor also highlighted ongoing efforts to clear the city of garbage, which surged by 400 percent during the holiday season.
She noted significant progress, with most areas cleaned, although some locations in Tondo, Ermita, Malate, Singalong, and parts of District 5 are still undergoing final clean-up.
“Much of Manila is now free from trash. We are focusing on mopping up remaining areas,” Lacuna stated, urging residents to avoid bringing out garbage until collection trucks arrive.
“To my fellow Manileños, I apologize for the piles of trash we faced during the first week of January. I ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please refrain from bringing out garbage until the trucks pass through your areas,” she appealed.
Meanwhile, Leonel Waste Management Corporation denied accusations of abandoning its duties before its contract expired on December 31, 2024.
“We faithfully fulfilled our contract until December 31, 2024, despite the City of Manila owing our company ₱561,440,000,” the firm said in a statement.
Leonel Waste Management emphasized its commitment to delivering “reliable and consistent” service since 1993, adding, “We are proud of the work we do and will not compromise our track record and reputation. We are grateful for the trust of the public and the communities we serve.”