Manila disputes Leonel's holiday waste management

The Manila city government and Leonel Waste Management Corporation are at odds over allegations that the company failed to collect garbage during the holiday season.

Mayor Honey Lacuna accused Leonel of neglecting its duties amid a 400-percent increase in waste volume during Christmas and New Year celebrations, leading to complaints from residents about piles of trash along streets after the holidays.

In response, Leonel denied the allegations, stating that it continued garbage collection services until December 31, despite owing Manila P561.4 million, and mandated employees to continue their work in anticipation of holiday waste.

Leonel also met with Lacuna in September 2024 to inform her that it would not participate in the 2025 contract bidding due to unpaid obligations, aiming for a smooth transition to new service providers.

Currently, Manila is transitioning from Leonel Waste Management Corporation to MetroWaste Solid Waste Management Corporation and Phil.Ecology Systems Corporation for trash collection under a contract worth P842.7 million for 2025.