Manila Mayor denies unpaid P561M balance with garbage firm

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna denied Wednesday allegations that the city has an unpaid balance of over P561 million with former garbage collection contractor Leonel Waste Management Corporation.

Lacuna stated that payments to Leonel undergo a disbursement process and confirmed that the first four months of 2024 had already been paid, with more than P131 million available for May and June 2024 payments.

The mayor emphasized that the amount is not considered a debt but 'due and demandable' as stated in their contract, while Leonel claims Manila owes them significant amounts.

Lacuna also noted that local barangays reported Leonel allegedly abandoning its December contract obligations by not picking up trash on December 31, an allegation denied by the contractor.

The mayor ordered new garbage collectors to clear out remaining holiday garbage around Manila by January 10 and stated they are validating reports of incomplete collection services from Leonel on their last day.