Manila Waste Firm Rejects Claims of Neglecting Duties, Highlights City’s Growing Debt

In Manila, Leonel Waste Management Corporation has firmly rejected accusations from the city government that it abandoned its waste collection responsibilities during the holiday season. The company insists that it has been diligent in its duties despite the city owing them over PHP561 million. Leonel stated that they informed their employees on December 23, 2024, that their service contract would end on December 31, 2024, but instructed them to continue operations until the contract’s conclusion, especially in light of the increased waste during the holidays. The firm also mentioned a meeting with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna in September 2024, where they announced their decision not to bid for the 2025 contract due to the city’s accumulating unpaid dues, aiming for a smooth transition to the next service provider. Leonel emphasized their commitment to their clients and denied any abandonment of their garbage collection duties, stating they served until the end of their contract on December 31, 2024. They provided evidence of their service through timestamped photos and certifications from local barangays, asserting that the residents of Manila could confirm their continued service. In contrast, Mayor Lacuna accused the firm of neglecting its duties during a time when waste volume surged by 400 percent over the Christmas and New Year period.